Scotland looking to rediscover their form in new qualifying campaign
Denmark v Scotland preview
Could we be seeing the beginning of Steve Clarke's last dance as Scotland boss?
Author | Alan White
Stadium | Parken
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| Scotland players celebrate a memorable win over Denmark in 2021 |
Scotland look in danger of stalling under Steve Clarke, who is still searching for a first World Cup qualification of this century. The March international break brought fresh disappointment as they were relegated from their Nations League group after a chastening defeat to Greece.
The players building their careers and thriving in Italy
Scotland have retained individual quality, with the likes of Scott McTominay central to their hopes. Like the former Manchester United midfielder, Billy Gilmour is also a league winner with Napoli, while Lewis Ferguson captains Bologna and lifted the Coppa Italia last season.
Teenager Lennon Miller has already traded Motherwell for Udinese after making his international debut earlier this year. Che Adams is starting his second season at Torino and is performing well.
Scotland's search for a new keeper
For decades, Scotland have been fortunate to produce outstanding goalkeepers, with Jim Leighton, Andy Goram, Allan McGregor, David Marshall and Craig Gordon among the most notable.
Hearts captain Gordon is the only one still active, although the 42-year-old is currently sidelined through injury.
Angus Gunn was Steve Clarke’s first choice at Euro 2024 but, since leaving Norwich City, he is still waiting to make his debut for Nottingham Forest.
A closer look at Denmark
Denmark reached the last 16 at Euro 2024, drawing with England, Serbia and Slovenia in the group stage before losing 2-0 to Germany.
They went on to finish runners-up behind Spain in a strong Nations League pool, only to be edged out after extra time in a two-legged quarter-final against Portugal.
Their June friendlies brought mixed challenges but positive results, as they came from behind to beat Northern Ireland 2-1 before sweeping aside Lithuania 5-0.
Christian Eriksen is a notable absentee from the current squad, though there remains a solid spine of experience with Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen in defence and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, now at Marseille, in midfield.
Up front, Kasper Dolberg will aim to mark his deadline-day return to Ajax, having already scored five goals in nine appearances for Anderlecht this season.
