Scotland’s disappointing exit from Euro 2024 has left many wondering where the team goes from here. With a number of players reaching their peak and potentially declining by the time the World Cup comes around, the question of a rebuild becomes crucial. The Scottish FA and head coach Steve Clarke must make a decision on whether to start the rebuild now.
Gordon Strachan, a former Scotland manager, faced a similar situation in the past. Looking back, it’s hard to say if he could have done much more with the resources available. The current group of players is talented, but there might not be much more that can be achieved with them. Perhaps the inclusion of players like Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson, Lewis Ferguson, or Lyndon Dykes could have made a difference, but ultimately, it’s not enough to say that Scotland should have advanced to the knockout stage.
One of the main issues plaguing Scotland is a lack of creativity. Despite dominating possession against Hungary, they struggled to create meaningful chances. Scott McTominay and John McGinn, who have often been Scotland’s saviors, were effectively marked out of the game. Other teams have players who can see passes and create opportunities, but Scotland lacks that creativity.
It’s important to acknowledge that Scotland reached the level they deserved to reach with the quality of players they have. It’s not a matter of being let down or disgraced; it’s simply a reflection of their limitations. Lawrence Shankland showed promise when he came on, but it was during a period when the game was already wide open. The team’s work rate and effort cannot be faulted, but there are tactical adjustments that could have been made.
Ultimately, when facing top teams, Scotland lacks the quality and vision necessary to compete. This is where they fall short and why a rebuild may be necessary. The question of whether to start that process now or wait until after the World Cup lies in the hands of the Scottish FA and Steve Clarke.
In conclusion, Scotland’s exit from Euro 2024 raises questions about the team’s future and the need for a rebuild. While they reached the level they deserved with the current crop of players, there are clear limitations in terms of creativity and vision. The decision to start the rebuild now or later will be crucial for the team’s future success.