Euro 2024 preview: Can Scotland do more than just boogie
"Yes sir, I can boogie..."
Can Scotland achieve what they've never done before by advancing from the group stage in a major tournament?
After successfully qualifying from a challenging group that included Spain and Norway, hopes were high for such an achievement. However, Steve Clarke’s team then endured a run of seven games without a win (before a hard-fought victory against Gibraltar). While defeats to France, England, the Netherlands, and Spain were expected, losing to Northern Ireland was more concerning. For the first time in a while, the team appeared deflated.
This dip in confidence might not be entirely detrimental. Overconfident Scots often struggle. In 1978, the team left for the World Cup amid great fanfare but failed to deliver. Clarke has assembled a capable side that should believe they can finish above Hungary and Switzerland, though they still lag behind the group’s standout team, Germany, in terms of overall ability.
ECQ: Scotland shock Spain (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
How strong is their squad?
Scotland are rarely flashy but play within a solid, well-organised system. Clarke and his squad must have learned from the last Euros, where they felt they underperformed. Their left side is particularly strong, thanks to Andy Robertson’s dynamic runs and Kieran Tierney’s ability to break through lines. Scott McTominay was outstanding for Manchester United in the recent FA Cup final and scored some important goals in the recent Premier League campaign, he enjoys Clarke’s full confidence. Scotland boasts a wealth of talent in central midfield, which must compensate for the lack of a top-class striker.
Right-back is a problematic position. Aaron Hickey would have been the preferred choice, but a serious hamstring injury has sidelined the Brentford player. Nathan Patterson, Clarke’s Plan B, is also out due to injury. This has opened the door for Bristol City’s Ross McCrorie, although Anthony Ralston of Celtic has slightly more international experience.
Scotland’s 2024 squad is capable of ending their finals disappointment, but they will need to be at their best to achieve this.
A closer look at some of their recent results and performances
In a raucous Hampden Park friendly in September, Scotland suffered a 3-1 defeat against England.
England triumph over old rivals
In the first of their warm-up matches, it took Scotland until the 58th minute to break the deadlock against the world’s 203rd ranked team. They eventually won the match 2-0.
Scotland eventually triumph against Gibraltar
Scotland head off to Euro 2024 in a disappointing fashion after squandering a two-goal lead to draw with Finland at Hampden Park. The match against Finland finished 2-2.
