Scotland manager Steve Clarke has named his provisional squad for Euro 2024, with several surprise inclusions and recalls. One of the most unexpected selections is Liverpool teenager Ben Doak, who is yet to start a Premier League match and has only recently returned to training after a knee operation in December. Despite his lack of experience, Clarke sees potential in Doak and wants to give him a chance to prove himself.
Another notable inclusion is Celtic winger James Forrest, who has not played for Scotland in nearly three years. This recall shows that Clarke values Forrest’s abilities and believes he can make a positive impact on the team. Additionally, uncapped Bristol City defender Ross McCrorie has been given a place in the squad, indicating that Clarke is willing to give new players an opportunity.
However, the squad must be trimmed from 28 to 26 players by June 7th, meaning that some tough decisions lie ahead for Clarke. One goalkeeper and one other player will have to be cut, and it remains to be seen who will miss out.
In terms of fitness concerns, there are several players who may be doubtful for the tournament. Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson, Lewis Ferguson, Grant Hanley, Stuart Armstrong, and Ryan Jack have all had injury issues recently. While some of them have returned to action, there are still doubts about their match readiness. This could be a cause for concern as Scotland prepares for their opening match against Germany on June 14th.
One area that may be a potential weakness for Scotland is the lack of playing time for some of the selected players. Doak, Hanley, and Jack are not the only ones who have had limited game time this season. Anthony Ralston, Liam Cooper, and Craig Gordon have also seen limited action for their clubs. This lack of minutes could impact their sharpness and match fitness heading into the tournament.
On the other hand, there are players who have been in fine form. Aston Villa captain John McGinn has been a consistent performer for both his club and the national team, with an impressive tally of 18 goals from 64 caps. Scott McTominay has also had a standout season, scoring seven goals in qualifying and reaching double figures for Manchester United. Che Adams, despite going 10 internationals without a goal, has been instrumental in Southampton’s success, scoring 18 goals this season.
Overall, Clarke’s squad selection shows a mix of experienced players and potential newcomers. While there are concerns about fitness and lack of playing time for some individuals, there are also players in good form who can make a difference. The upcoming friendlies against Gibraltar and Finland will provide an opportunity for the team to gel and for Clarke to make final decisions on the squad. Scotland’s success in Euro 2024 will depend on how well they can overcome these challenges and perform as a cohesive unit.