Scotland is ready to make history at the Euro 2024 tournament. After eight World Cup and three European Championship appearances without advancing past the group stage, this feels like the year they will break through. The Tartan Army has improved significantly under manager Steve Clarke, who led them to a remarkable qualifying campaign. They won five consecutive matches, including victories over Spain and Norway, showcasing their potential.

Scotland’s recent competitive record is impressive, with 15 wins in their last 21 games since September 2021. This win rate is second only to Portugal among European teams. Clarke’s side may not have a prolific goalscorer, but they have a dynamic midfield duo in Scott McTominay and John McGinn, who provide a significant goal threat. These two, along with the talented Billy Gilmour, will be crucial to Scotland’s success.

Despite a string of injuries to key players, including forwards Lyndon Dykes and Ben Doak, Scotland remains optimistic. They face a challenging group with Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary, but with four out of six third-placed teams advancing, their chances are high. Scotland has the quality and determination to make this their breakthrough tournament and finally advance to the knockout stages.

• Scotland has never advanced beyond the group stage, but this time feels different.
• McTominay and McGinn were pivotal in the qualifiers and need to step up again.

By James Sharpe

Scotland is on the cusp of making history at Euro 2024. With a talented squad and a determined mindset, they are ready to break free from the chains of their past performances.

In eight World Cup and three European Championship appearances, Scotland has never advanced beyond the group stage. It’s a millstone they are eager to cast off. However, under the leadership of Steve Clarke, this time feels different. Scotland has earned their place at Euro 2024, and their improvement has been nothing short of remarkable.

Legendary midfielder Gary McAllister believes that Scotland has a better chance than ever to make a deep run in the tournament. The key to their success lies in the heart of their midfield.

In three Euros, Scotland has never advanced beyond the group stage, but this time, hopes are high.

Scotland’s remarkable improvement under manager Steve Clarke has the team dreaming big.

Tartan Army punching above their weight

Scotland may have only one win in their last nine games, but their overall improvement under Clarke cannot be overstated. During their qualifying campaign, they won five consecutive matches, their best streak in Euro qualifying since 1995. This included impressive victories over Spain and Norway.

When it comes to crucial matches, Scotland has been exceptional. Since September 2021, they have won 15 out of their last 21 competitive games. During this period, only Portugal has a better win rate in competition. England, in comparison, has a win rate of 62%.

The Tartan Army’s winning streak during Euro qualifying has them dreaming of success.

Midfield duo: the key to Scotland’s success

While striker Lawrence Shankland found the net in the recent draw against Finland, Scotland’s strength does not lie in their forwards. Clarke’s strategy often involves bringing the dynamic midfield duo of Scott McTominay and John McGinn into play.

As their touch maps from the 3-0 qualification win over Cyprus demonstrate, McTominay and McGinn drive forward from midfield. They were both on the scoresheet in that game and are Clarke’s primary source of goals.

McTominay was one of the top scorers in the qualifying campaign, and since Clarke took charge, only Harry Kane has more goals and assists for a home nation than McGinn. These two midfielders are the heartbeat of the Scottish team.

Behind them, Brighton’s Billy Gilmour provides the perfect balance. Among midfielders who attempted 1000 or more passes in the Premier League last season, only Rodri and Mateo Kovacic had a higher pass completion rate than Gilmour (92.2%).

Lawrence Shankland’s role is to bring Scott McTominay and John McGinn into the game.

Can they overcome their injury crisis?

It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Clarke and his team. Injuries have plagued the squad, with forwards Lyndon Dykes and Liverpool’s Ben Doak being the latest casualties. They join a growing list that includes Brentford’s Aaron Hickey, Everton’s Nathan Patterson, Lewis Ferguson, and Jacob Brown.

Despite these setbacks, Scotland remains optimistic. While they acknowledge the weight of history and heartbreak, they also recognize that they have never had a better opportunity to succeed. They possess the quality and determination to advance to the knockout stages.

Forwards Lyndon Dykes (above) and Liverpool’s Ben Doak were unfortunate to miss out due to injuries.

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