Scotland faces a challenging situation as they prepare to take on Hungary in their final group stage match of Euro 2024. The absence of Kieran Tierney, who suffered a hamstring injury against Switzerland, leaves a void in the team’s defensive lineup. Tierney’s influence on the team, especially in the attacking sense, cannot be understated. His partnership with left-back Andy Robertson has been a key feature of Scotland’s play.
Analyzing the statistics, Tierney’s impact becomes even more evident. His average position graphic shows his high line and allows Robertson to push forward confidently. The left side of Scotland’s play is strong, thanks to Tierney’s ability to tuck in behind Robertson and provide cover. Tierney’s injury is a significant blow, considering his impressive passing accuracy rate of 85%, 100% clearance success rate, and 101 periods of possession with the ball.
In light of Tierney’s absence, there are suggestions that Scotland manager Steve Clarke could consider changing the team’s formation. Former Scotland midfielder Leanne Crichton believes this could be an opportunity for Clarke to experiment. The current back five structure heavily relies on Tierney and Robertson, and without them, it may be challenging to maintain the same balance. Transitioning to a back four would allow for more strength in the midfield and potentially include players like Stuart Armstrong or James Forrest to support a front three.
However, there are also arguments in favor of a straight swap with Scott McKenna. Former Scotland striker Steven Thompson believes that McKenna is a suitable replacement for Tierney. McKenna’s aerial threat in both boxes for set plays adds a different dimension to the team. While his attacking attributes may not match Tierney’s, tournament football requires adaptability and preparation for unforeseen circumstances.
It is undeniably disappointing for Tierney to miss out on such a significant tournament due to injury, especially considering his history with injuries. Nevertheless, the team must focus on the task at hand and react positively to the adversity they have faced. Injuries and other unexpected challenges, such as Ryan Porteous’ red card in the first game against Germany, should not distract them from their goal. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Scotland to make history by progressing to the knockout stage of a major tournament.
In conclusion, Scotland’s match against Hungary poses a dilemma for Steve Clarke in terms of how to replace Kieran Tierney. While changing the formation could provide more strength in midfield, a straight swap with Scott McKenna seems to be the most likely scenario. Regardless of the decision, the team needs to remain focused and determined to achieve their objective.