Scotland's Midfield Conundrum and Defensive Doubts: Clarke's Five Key Squad Questions Ahead of Crucial Friendlies
As Steve Clarke finalizes his Scotland squad for the upcoming friendly fixtures against Greece and Belarus, a familiar yet persistent set of questions hangs in the air. With the Euro 2024 finals looming on the horizon, these matches offer a vital opportunity for the national team manager to assess his options, fine-tune tactics, and crucially, address some lingering concerns that could shape Scotland's success on the continental stage. BBC Scotland's Amy Canavan delves into the five most pressing dilemmas facing Clarke as he prepares to name his squad.
1. The Central Midfield Engine Room: Who Partners McGregor?
Perhaps the most significant ongoing debate within the Scotland setup revolves around the central midfield partnership alongside the ever-reliable Callum McGregor. The Celtic captain has established himself as a cornerstone of Clarke's side, his composure and leadership indispensable. However, the search for a consistent and dynamic partner continues. Stuart Armstrong has shown flashes of brilliance, but his availability has been inconsistent. Billy Gilmour, while technically gifted, has yet to fully cement his place in the starting XI, and questions remain about his physicality against more robust opponents.
Then there's the emerging talent of Lewis Ferguson. His performances for Bologna have been a revelation, and his powerful runs and goal threat from deep offer something slightly different. Could he be the answer? Or does Clarke opt for the experience of Ryan Jack, who, when fit, provides a solid defensive shield? The upcoming friendlies will be crucial for Clarke to assess the chemistry and balance within this vital area of the pitch. The interplay between the midfield trio can dictate the tempo of the game, and finding the right combination is paramount.
2. Defensive Stability: Can the Centre-Back Pairing Be Settled?
The defensive unit has also been a source of some uncertainty. While Scott McTominay has proven an effective goal threat from set-pieces, his primary role in central defence has been a point of discussion. Grant Hanley, a reliable presence, has faced injury concerns. The emergence of Ryan Porteous has been a positive, his aggressive style adding a different dimension. However, consistency and discipline are key at the highest level.
Clarke needs to find a pairing that offers both solidity and the ability to play out from the back effectively. The partnership between McTominay and a more traditional centre-back, or a combination of Hanley, Porteous, and perhaps even the experienced Liam Cooper, will be under scrutiny. With the Euros in mind, a settled and confident defensive line is non-negotiable. Can Greece and Belarus exploit any perceived weaknesses? This is a vital chance to test different combinations and build that crucial understanding.
3. The Striker's Seal of Approval: Who Leads the Line?
The perennial question for many international sides: who is the reliable goal-scoring striker? Lyndon Dykes offers a physical presence and a tireless work rate, but his finishing has, at times, been questioned. Che Adams has shown he can score at international level, but his form can fluctuate. The likes of Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet have impressed in the Scottish Premiership, but can they replicate that form against tougher international opposition?
Clarke has often relied on Dykes for his aerial ability and ability to hold up the ball, creating space for others. However, a consistent goal threat from the lone striker is something Scotland has sometimes lacked. These friendlies present an opportunity for any of the potential candidates to stake a claim. Can any of them consistently find the back of the net and provide that clinical edge that can win tight games? It's a selection headache Clarke will be keen to resolve.
4. Wing Wizardry and Versatility: Who Offers Creative Spark?
Beyond the central midfield, the wider attacking areas also present choices. John McGinn remains an talismanic figure, his energy and goal-scoring ability from midfield a constant threat. However, the supporting cast on the wings needs to provide consistent creativity and penetration. Ryan Fraser, when fit and in form, can be a handful with his directness. The likes of Ryan Christie offer a different kind of threat with his intelligent movement and passing range.
The question is whether Clarke has enough genuine wingers who can consistently deliver crosses, take on defenders, and contribute goals. The versatility of players who can operate on either flank, or even tuck inside, is also a valuable asset. With the potential for tactical shifts during a tournament, having players who can adapt and offer different threats from wide positions is crucial. These friendlies will be a good test of who can provide that spark.
5. The Goalkeeping Hierarchy: Is Gunn the Undisputed Number One?
Angus Gunn has emerged as the first-choice goalkeeper, and his performances have generally been solid. However, the competition for the gloves is always healthy. Zander Clark has shown promise, and his shot-stopping abilities are undeniable. Liam Kelly also remains an option, offering experience.
While Gunn seems to have cemented his position, these friendlies offer a chance for him to further solidify his claim and for any potential challengers to put pressure on. In a major tournament, having a goalkeeper who can make crucial saves and command their area with confidence is vital. While perhaps not as pressing as some of the outfield questions, ensuring a reliable and confident presence between the sticks is a fundamental requirement for any successful international side.
Steve Clarke faces a busy period of squad selection and tactical consideration. The matches against Greece and Belarus are more than just warm-up games; they are critical opportunities to address these five key questions and build a Scotland side that can compete with the best in Europe. The decisions he makes in the coming weeks will undoubtedly shape the narrative of Scotland's Euro 2024 journey.
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