**Work to do on Clarke’s evolution**
Scotland’s recent matches against Portugal and Poland have highlighted areas of concern for manager Steve Clarke and his team. Despite a strong start against Portugal and taking the lead, Scotland eventually conceded three goals and lost the match. This defeat follows a pattern of struggling against top-level opposition and conceding late goals.
In their past 14 games, Scotland has conceded a total of 33 goals, which is a worrying statistic. Additionally, in five of their last six matches, they have conceded goals after the 85th minute. These defensive lapses have resulted in a lack of wins, with only one victory in their last 14 games and no competitive wins in the past year.
Clarke acknowledges the need for improvement and has described the current phase as a “cycle” that the team is trying to navigate. After a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, where Scotland failed to make an impact, Clarke is looking to recalibrate the team’s playing style. The switch from a back five to a 4-2-3-1 formation has shown some positive signs in terms of attacking quality.
Furthermore, the inclusion of players like Ryan Gauld, Ben Doak, and Tommy Conway in the squad suggests a different approach in preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Clarke emphasizes the need for evolution rather than revolution, indicating that he wants to build on the team’s strengths while addressing its weaknesses.
However, there is no denying that there is still much work to be done. Time is limited, and Scotland will face tough opposition in the future. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities and inability to hold onto leads against top teams must be addressed if they are to achieve their ultimate goal of qualifying for major tournaments.
**McTominay now Scotland’s undisputed talisman**
One bright spot for Scotland amidst their recent struggles is the emergence of Scott McTominay as a key player. The midfielder has been in sensational form, scoring 10 goals in his last 12 caps for the national team. This goal-scoring prowess sets him apart from his teammates, with seven more goals than any other player in the same period.
McTominay’s success comes after a period of uncertainty at Manchester United, where he played various roles in midfield without consistent results. Similarly, his early appearances for Scotland saw him deployed as a right-sided center-back. However, a shift to an advanced midfield role has revitalized his game.
Former Scotland striker James McFadden praises McTominay’s athleticism, energy, and intelligence on the field. He highlights the midfielder’s ability to drive forward, get into scoring positions, and finish with precision. McTominay’s recent move from Manchester United to Napoli is expected to further elevate his game.
With his current form and newfound confidence, McTominay has become Scotland’s undisputed talisman. His performances and goal-scoring contributions have been crucial for the team, providing a much-needed spark in attack.
As Steve Clarke looks to evolve the Scotland national team, McTominay’s continued success will be pivotal. His ability to score goals and influence games will be vital in their quest for qualification in future tournaments.
In conclusion, while Scotland still has work to do in terms of defensive stability and overall performance, Scott McTominay’s rise as a key player offers hope for the team’s future. With the right adjustments and improvements, Scotland can build on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses to achieve success on the international stage.