A tactical preview for Scotland National Football Team playing in EURO 2024

Scotland will make their first appearance in a major tournament since Euro 2020 when they appear in Germany for Euro 2024 this summer. The Tartan Army isn’t expected to cause many issues, but that might work in Steve Clarke’s side’s favor. They booked their place in the Championships with a comfortable second-placed finish in qualifying above Erling Haaland’s Norway.

The Scots have never won a European Championship and are unlikely to do so this summer. They’ll want to impress but could struggle as Clarke’s squad deals with several injury issues. Centre-forward Lyndon Dykes will miss the tournament, which is a blow, and midfielder Ryan Jack missed their most recent training session.

Scotland will help open the show against host nation Germany on Friday (June 14). We give fans a look at what to expect from them tactically at the Euros.

Predicted lineup of Scotland National Football Team playing in EUROs

Scotland are likely to be deployed in a 5-4-1 formation out of possession and a 3-4-2-1 when they have the ball. This flexibility has worked well during Steve Clarke’s tenure as his wing-backs have excelled, providing width, and his options in that area are perhaps the nation’s strongest point.

Norwich City’s Angus Gunn will likely start in goal after a fine season in the EFL Championship. He was the Tartan Army’s No.1 throughout their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

Steve Clarke can expect to name a three-man center-back pairing consisting of Watford’s Ryan Porteous, Al-Ettifaq’s Jack Hendry, and versatile Arsenal loanee Kieran Tierney.

Liverpool star Andy Robertson is vital. He will line up as a wingback with Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston on the opposite flank.

Scott McTominay’s firepower could be key for Scotland, as he was impressive for Manchester United last season. He’ll be free while sitting alongside Brighton’s Billy Gilmour in midfield.

Celtic’s Callum McGregor will likely accompany Aston Villa star John McGinn in attacking midfield and they’ll operate behind Che Adams. The Southampton striker will likely be Clarke’s starting striker due to Dykes’ injury.

Scotland Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): (GK) Angus Gunn; Ryan Porteous, Jack Hendry, Kieran Tierney; Anthony Ralston, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Andy Robertson; Callum McGregor, John McGinn, Che Adams

Also Read: Scotland Squad EURO 2024: Who’s in and Who’s out, Key Players and Predicted Lineup

Team Strengths

Team Unity – Steve Clarke has a consistent bunch of Scottish players who are familiar with one another and that has helped them during his tenure. He’s used a solid base for his squad selections and this has allowed the team to become a more cohesive unit at other times. The Tartan Army’s bond could be important as they look to spring a surprise in Germany at Euro 2024.

Star men’s flexibilities – Scotland used to have the headache of trying to fit Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney into the same XI but Clarke has found a system that allows the two left-back stars to shine. He’s also got a strong midfield who can adapt to different positions as seen with John McGinn who likes to venture forward but can help out defensively.

Goals from all areas – Scott McTominay was in remarkable goalscoring form during the qualifying campaign, posting seven goals in eight games. The Manchester United midfielder is one of several non-strikers in the Scottish squad who were impressive in front of goal last season.

Team Weaknesses

Injury crisis – Scotland will be without Lyndon Dykes and Liverpool’s rising star Ben Doak for the tournament due to an injury curse. There have also been question marks regarding Robertson’s fitness after an injury-ridden campaign at Anfield.

Lack of a top centre-forward – The Tartan Army has their fair share of Premier League talents but their striker options are somewhat unremarkable. Lawrence Shankland did bag 30 goals for Hearts last season but he isn’t as elegant with the ball as Che Adams. It’ll be a difficult choice for Steve Clarke to make.

Poor preparation – The Scots were less than impressive in their pre-Euro 2024 friendlies as they suffered a 1-0 loss to Northern Ireland. They beat Gibraltar but were held to a 2-2 draw by Finland. It’s not the best form to be in with Germany one of your opponents in your group.

Scotland EURO 2024 Key Players to Watch Out For

Scott McTominay – The Manchester United midfielder will be crucial for his nation this summer and could be the difference between Steve Clarke’s men overachieving or flopping. He was a standout performer at club level, posting 10 goals and three assists in 43 games across competitions. His versatility is a huge asset as he can play in a variety of midfield roles and even drops back into defense if needed.

Andy Robertson – The Liverpool left-back is arguably one of the best creative full-backs in Europe despite coming into the latter stages of his career. He’s been a mainstay in Scotland’s team since debuting in 2014 and his leadership will be needed as he captain’s the team in Germany this summer.

John McGinn – The Aston Villa midfielder played a key role in helping Unai Emery’s side seal an unlikely UEFA Champions League qualification spot. He was an ever-present for the Villains and he’s one of the grittiest yet enjoyable midfielders to watch. His passionate playing style is the perfect blend with Steve Clarke’s brand of football.

Conclusion

Scotland will march to Germany for the European Championships knowing little is expected of them. They will want to improve on their Euro 2020 performance and could do so given they have a more inviting group of opponents to deal with. They might get blown away in their opener against Germany but could fancy themselves against Switzerland or Hungary. A group exit does look likely though.

Also Read: Spain squad for UEFA EURO 2024: Who’s in and Who’s out, Key players and Predicted lineup