The final whistle in Vaduz brought a sigh of relief, not a roar of triumph. A 4-0 victory over Liechtenstein salvaged Scotland‘s June international break, but the overriding feeling, as articulated by head coach Steve Clarke himself, was one of a “disappointing camp.” With crucial World Cup qualifiers on the horizon this autumn, the Tartan Army is left pondering familiar questions. Is this just another dip on the rollercoaster, or are there deeper cracks appearing in the foundation Clarke has built? Here at Mcw, we dive into the key issues facing the national team as they prepare for their most important campaign in years.
A Form Book Full of Twists and Turns
Scotland’s recent journey has been a classic tale of peaks and valleys. The euphoria of a stunning Euro 2024 qualifying start, including that famous victory over Spain, feels like a distant memory. What followed was a concerning slump: just one win in 16 matches across multiple competitions. While Clarke successfully steadied the ship with vital Nations League wins, the recent 1-0 home defeat to Iceland and a subsequent relegation to Nations League B have reignited doubts.
The victory against Liechtenstein, ranked 205th globally, was a necessity but not a cure-all. As football analyst Martin Croft noted in a recent Mcw podcast, “Friendly results can be deceptive, but performances rarely lie. The lack of cohesion and cutting edge against Iceland was alarming for a team with Scotland’s ambitions.” The worrying statistic of just one win in their last nine matches at Hampden Park is one Clarke must address urgently as World Cup qualifying intensifies.
The Clarke Conundrum: Time for Change?
Steve Clarke’s legacy is secure; he ended a 24-year major tournament drought and delivered back-to-back European Championships. However, as he enters what is likely his final year in charge, a new kind of pressure emerges. Has his message grown stale? Some sections of the support believe a fresh tactical voice is needed to unlock the potential of this squad.
The departure of long-time assistant John Carver adds another layer of transition. Clarke’s task this summer is twofold: appoint a new right-hand man and refine a system that has recently looked predictable. While his achievements command respect, the World Cup campaign will ultimately define the final chapter of his tenure. Failure to navigate a group containing Denmark and Greece could see his tenure end on a sour note, despite the historic highs.
Steve Clarke was named Scotland head coach in 2019
Solving the Selection Headaches
The Goalkeeper Gambit
The most immediate concern lies between the posts. Injuries exposed a worrying lack of depth, with young Cieran Slicker enduring a nightmare debut against Iceland. While the experienced trio of Angus Gunn, Craig Gordon, and Liam Kelly should return, relying on the 42-year-old Gordon as a long-term number one is not a sustainable strategy. Ross Doohan’s quiet debut in Vaduz did little to prove a solution. Clarke must hope for fitness and may need to explore new options to build stability ahead of the qualifiers.
The Midfield Maze
On paper, Scotland‘s midfield is their crown jewel. The blend of Scott McTominay’s goal threat, Billy Gilmour’s guile, and John McGinn’s energy should be the engine room. Yet, against Iceland, they were overrun. The emergence of 18-year-old Lennon Miller is a bright spot; his composure and creativity in Liechtenstein suggest he could be a wildcard. The challenge for Clarke is to find a balance that controls games against higher-caliber opposition, potentially by leveraging McTominay in a more advanced role, as seen in his club season with Napoli.
The Striking Resurgence?
For over a year, Scotland‘s strikers failed to score. Che Adams’ hat-trick in Vaduz, complemented by a goal for debutant George Hirst, may have broken the curse. Adams, coming off a strong club season, finally translated that form to the international stage. The experiment with two strikers paid dividends and offers Clarke a viable tactical alternative to the usual lone-frontman setup, especially with the physical presence of Lyndon Dykes to return from injury. Finding consistent goalscorers is paramount for World Cup success.
A Glimpse of the Future
Amidst the concerns, June’s camp offered genuine hope for the future. Seven new caps were awarded, with an average age of just 22. Beyond Miller, players like Connor Barron and Josh Doig gained valuable experience. This injection of youth is crucial for the nation’s long-term health and provides Clarke with more options and competition for places. Nurturing this next generation will be as important as the immediate results.
The Road to the 2026 World Cup
The path is now clear. After a summer of reflection, Scotland faces a relentless autumn:
- September 5: Denmark (A)
- September 8: Belarus (A)
- October 9: Greece (H)
- October 12: Belarus (H)
These fixtures will make or break the campaign. The performance in Copenhagen will set the tone. Clarke must find answers to the tactical and personnel questions that lingered after the June friendlies. The squad has the talent to qualify, but it requires the consistency and resilience that have so often eluded them.
Scotland’s Rocky Road: A Mcw Analysis of the Tartan Army’s World Cup Hopes encapsulates a nation at a footballing crossroads. Steve Clarke has the experience and the squad to script a historic qualification, but he must swiftly address the form, the system, and the key positions that looked vulnerable in recent outings. The Tartan Army’s dream of a first World Cup since 1998 is alive, but it needs a firm and decisive hand to guide it through the challenges ahead.
What do you think, Tartan Army? Are you confident Clarke can turn it around, or is it time for a new direction? Share your thoughts and predictions for the upcoming qualifiers in the comments below, and follow Mcw for all the latest in-depth analysis and news on Scotland’s World Cup journey.
