Euro 2020 Profile: Scotland

Team: Scotland

Manager: Steven Clarke

Group: D

Other teams in group: England, Czech Republic and Croatia

 

THE SQUAD

It is probably a squad lacking in major star names, but manager Steve Clarke has put an emphasis on togetherness.

With 19 clubs having call-ups, the majority of which are in the English Premiership or Championship.

Remarkably Scotland’s new league winners, Glasgow Rangers have the same amount as Motherwell who finished 8th.

The squad in full:



Goalkeepers: David Marshall (Derby County), Jon McLaughlin (Glasgow Rangers), Craig Gordon (Hearts).

Defenders: Stephen O'Donnell (Motherwell), Liam Cooper (Leeds United), Declan Gallagher (Motherwell), Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Jack Hendry (Oostende (on loan), Scott McKenna (Nottingham Forest), Nathan Patterson (Glasgow Rangers), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Greg Taylor (Glasgow Celtic), Kieran Tierney (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Callum McGregor (Glasgow Celtic), Ryan Christie (Glasgow Celtic), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Alun Armstrong (Southampton), John Fleck (Sheffield United), Billy Gilmour (Chelsea), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), David Turnbull (Glasgow Celtic).

Forwards: Kevin Nisbet (Hiberian), Ryan Fraser (Newcastle United), James Forrest (Glasgow Celtic), Lyndon Dykes (Queens Park Rangers), Ché Adams (Southampton).

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Due to strong results in the Nations League, that this now allowed them a second chance for qualifying.



A tense and nervous semi-final at home to Israel eventually went to a penalty shoot out which they won 5-3.

Serbia now stood between them and a place at the finals. Surprisingly, it was the visitors who appeared the more composed and organised side.

The Scots got the opening goal. They held firm until the very last minute when Serbia equalised, but the Tartan Army held their nerve to come through in a dramatic penalty shootout.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Andy Robertson: Essentially considered a left-back by trade, he has become considered one of the archetypal modern full-backs. As likely to be found in the opposition area and providing assists, as defending his own.

His pace, technique and awareness of danger has made him one of the key players in Liverpool’s success. With the national side, he has became a leader for a new generation of talent coming through.

He possesses a sense of fearlessness and confidence that has rubbed off on his team-mates who don’t fear anything now.

Scott McTominay: His height, power and enthusiasm for the cause has made him a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford and a major element of Ole Solskjaer’s team.

Generally used in a midfield role at his club, he has been employed at the back during the critical phase of the qualifying process. His energy could be the deciding factor in a tight group.

Ryan Christie: Christie is another exciting talent who has matured into an important member of the national side.

The Celtic midfielder has chipped in with some memorable efforts since making his international bow.

The opening goal that helped them win in Cyprus and the goal which set Scotland on their way in Belgrade. He could be the ace that Scotland need.

WHERE THEY ARE PLAYING AND STAYING

14/06: Scotland v Czech Republic, Hampden Park, Glasgow

18/06: Scotland v England, Wembley Stadium, London

22/06:  Scotland v Croatia, Hampden Park, Glasgow

Clarke spoke to the press just after the squad announcement. "Anybody who thought they could be in the original squad, there's still matches to be played. So, keep yourself fit and be ready. I haven't done an official standby list, but I have spoken to a few players.

It's always important to try and get as far as we can. I think the group is growing in stature the more caps they get. Hopefully we can go there and upset a few teams. We're going there to get out the group. Like I said before, the lads can become legends."

THREE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE TEAM

Scotland have only appeared twice at the Euros before in their history. They qualified in both 1992 and 1996. Nine of their current squad were not even born at the time.

England and Scotland is the oldest recorded competitive game between two nations and have played each other a record 113 matches. Only once have they played each other at a tournament though. Scotland better hope history doesn’t repeat itself as England won 2-0 at Euro 1996.

Scotland has the least diverse squad of all the nations taking part. Of the plays selected, all their parent club plays their football in either England or Scotland. Jack Hendry who is with Oostende in Netherlands at the moment is on loan from Glasgow Celtic.

THEIR RECENT FORM

Scotland have a decent record in their last twelve games. In a fairly packed schedule due to the postponed play-offs, they have only lost twice. Those defeats to Slovakia and Israel denied them top spot and promotion to Nations League A. Their World Cup qualifiers have started with two draws and a win so far.

First game: The Scots play Czech Republic on 14th of June in Glasgow.

    About Philip Morrissey

    Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile