Scotland’s assistant coach, John Carver, is getting ready for a challenging Nations League campaign after the team’s disappointing performance at the 2024 European Championship. Scotland will face tough matches against Poland at Hampden Park on September 5 and then travel to Portugal on September 8, with Croatia also in their group.
Carver reflected on the Euros, where Scotland managed just one point from three games, and expressed regret over missed opportunities, particularly in a close match against Hungary. Despite the disappointment, he is motivated to push forward and sees the Nations League as a chance for a fresh start.
Acknowledging the criticism directed at head coach Steve Clarke, Carver emphasized that the entire team feels the responsibility. He called for realism, pointing out that Scotland is now competing in Group A of the Nations League, which includes some of the top teams in the world. The main goal, according to Carver, is to survive in this tough group.
Carver believes that facing strong opponents like Poland, Portugal, and Croatia is a valuable experience, even if the challenge is daunting. He hopes that the team and fans, known as the Tartan Army, are excited to take on these top nations, recognizing the importance of playing against such high-level competition.
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Scotland squad in full
Goalkeepers: Zander Clark (Heart of Midlothian), Angus Gunn (Norwich City), Jon McCracken (Dundee).
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Max Johnston (SK Sturm Graz), Scott McKenna (UD Las Palmas), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Greg Taylor (Celtic).
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (AFC Bournemouth), Ben Doak (Liverpool), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps), Billy Gilmour (Brighton & Hove Albion FC), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls).
Forwards: Ché Adams (Torino), Tommy Conway (Middlesborough), Lyndon Dykes (Queens Park Rangers), Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian).
Scotland’s Nations League fixtures
- Poland (h) – September 5
- Portugal (a) – September 8
- Croatia (a) – October 12
- Portugal (h) – October 15
- Croatia (h) – November 15
- Poland (a) – November 18
