Getting ready for a big day in their long World Cup qualifier. Now head coach Steve Clarke is spearheading efforts to make sure they do just that. The team is coming off four points earned in their first two World Cup qualifiers. This impressive beginning to qualifying has the Central Americans dreaming of making their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Ahead of their next two matches against Greece and Belarus at Hampden Park, the team is buoyed by the return of goalkeeper Craig Gordon. He just recently returned from a serious neck injury but brings very solid depth to the group.
Gordon, 42, returned to Tynecastle after making a first-team exit in May. His experience will be vital as Scotland look to improve on their quarter-final exit in 2021. In addition to Johnstone, the team features Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly as goalkeeping options. Gunn has yet to feature for Nottingham Forest this season. There he did accomplish back-to-back clean sheets in Scotland’s first two matches. Clarke has picked a solid mix of steely veterans and new world-beaters in waiting. He refuses to be defeated by the challenges of qualification.
Scotland’s Defensive Lineup
Scotland’s defensive corps is stacked too, with standouts like Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, (wait for it), Andy Robertson, and John Souttar. These world class defenders have already proven to be tough and brilliant in their performances thus far, helping keep Scotland’s dogged defending streak intact. Clarke’s decision-making process was complicated by the absence of Dominic Hyam and Max Johnston, who do not feature in Scotland’s 23-player squad.
The real test of the squad’s depth will come as they face some of their stiffest competition in their next two matches. Clarke has indeed spoken of the need for flexibility in his squad more than ever, with the nature of injury and suspensions both sudden and random.
“I’m always looking at other options, because you never know when you’re going to get injuries, suspensions, and when you’re going to have to call people into your squad.” – Steve Clarke
Midfield Strengths
In the centre of the park, Scotland is teeming with teenagers, in the form of foot wee whiz kid Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie. Gilmour and McTominay have developed a wonderful partnership at Napoli. They run the game and always look to set up their teammates with better shots. Their synergy could be key in Scotland’s matches with Greece and Belarus as they look to take all three points from both fixtures.
Clarke has been frank about the desire for a mobile, unified midfield that can switch from defense to attack and back in one elegant motion. The next few games will be a big indicator of where these players are at. They are looking to cement their place in the squad and to help Scotland achieve positive results in the qualifiers.
Forward Line and Upcoming Challenges
Scotland’s forward line is a great balance of Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes and Kieron Bowie, each bringing strong and complimentary qualities to the setup. Adams’ contribution was highlighted in Scotland’s recent victory over Belarus, where he found the back of the net to help secure crucial points. Dykes and Bowie will again be featured in their roles to lay down service and scoring opportunities.
With two home games to come, Clarke was hopeful that it would be a little more straightforward in terms of bringing his squad together.
“Because if you need to call players up to your squad when you’ve travelled away, it’s a little bit more difficult. Two home games this time, it’s easy to call boys up as and when required.” – Steve Clarke
Scotland are set to face Greece and Belarus in tightly contested matches. The results of their performance will determine their place in the qualifiers and show what they are truly capable of in the matches to come.
Leave a Reply