Scotland Faces Squad Selection Dilemma Ahead of Euro 2024
As the Euro 2024 tournament draws near, Scotland’s head coach Steve Clarke faces the daunting task of trimming his squad from 28 players to 26. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon and defender John Souttar are the unfortunate candidates expected to miss out on the final selection.
Gordon, a seasoned veteran at 41 years old, is on track to make his 75th appearance for Scotland in the upcoming friendly against Finland. This milestone would be a testament to his dedication and longevity in the sport. However, his recent injury history raises questions about his fitness. Since breaking his leg in December 2022, Gordon has played only seven matches. Despite his experience, it seems that fellow Tynecastle keeper Zander Clark has emerged as the established second choice behind Angus Gunn for Scotland.
Meanwhile, Souttar, a promising center-back, has made nine international appearances since his debut in 2018. Unfortunately, he missed the last three matches of the season due to injury. However, he has been training with the national team and remains in contention for a spot in the final squad. With seven center-backs listed, competition for places is fierce, and it appears that Souttar’s recent absence may work against him.
Clarke has remained tight-lipped about his selection decisions, keeping fans and players alike in suspense. During a media conference, he revealed that he had made his decision but had yet to have the conversation with the players affected. He acknowledged the difficulty of the process, describing it as “almost impossible.” However, he emphasized that it was his responsibility as head coach to make these tough choices.
The deadline for squad submissions is midnight on Friday, leaving Clarke with limited time to finalize his squad. This decision will undoubtedly be a challenging one, as it involves not only selecting the best players but also considering factors such as form, fitness, and tactical considerations.
While the exclusion of Gordon and Souttar may disappoint fans and the players themselves, it highlights the depth and competition within the Scottish national team. The fact that established players like Gordon and Souttar are facing potential exclusion demonstrates the progress made in Scottish football, with emerging talents pushing for their place in the squad.
As Scotland prepares to face hosts Germany in the opening match of Euro 2024, fans eagerly await the announcement of the final squad. Regardless of the outcome, the journey to this point has showcased the growth and development of Scottish football, offering hope for a successful campaign in the tournament.