Along with France, England, and Portugal, Scotland have a 100% record in their qualifying group for Euro 2024 in Germany. Steve Clarke and his team have been able to beat all four of the teams in their group, Georgia, Norway, Spain, and Cyprus. With only four more games left in their group, Scotland have an excellent chance to qualify for back-to-back European Championships.
In their four wins so far, Scotland have only conceded one goal, which was somewhat inevitably scored by Erling Haaland for Norway. Their superb defensive record is down to a solid back five that consists of three strong Premier League players.
Captain Andy Robertson is partnered by Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, which makes a solid left side of the defence. Bringing energy to the right side of the Scotland defence, meanwhile, is Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey.
The team have also managed to score nine goals so far in qualifying, showcasing their strength in both attack and defence. Despite not being known for his goals, Scott McTominay has been on fine form in front of goal. The Manchester United midfielder has bagged five goals in the opening four matches.
Scotland’s form in this campaign is already far stronger than in qualifying for the 2020 Euros, which were of course played in 2021 due to Covid-19. Scotland finished third in their qualifying group for that tournament after five wins and five losses, but due to Russia being second in the group and ultimately banned from the competition it meant Scotland had a chance to qualify through the playoffs.
After a victory on penalties to Israel in the Semi-Final of the playoffs, it meant Scotland faced Serbia in a one-off game to decide who got to Euro 2020. After a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, penalties were needed again. A 5-3 victory in the penalty shootout resulted in Scotland playing in a European Championship for the first time since 1996.
The 2020 Euros were unfortunately a damp squib for Scotland. They finished bottom of Group D with only one point, which came from a draw at Wembley against England. But for all the players in that squad, it was their first-ever international tournament. Fast-forward to the present, a lot of the squad is the same so there is continuity for Scotland going into the Euros in 2024.
Looking forward the 2024 tournament in Germany, it could be a real adventure for Scotland. In 2016, we saw Wales reach the semi-finals in their first Euros. So, it isn’t an unrealistic possibility to see Scotland go deep into the competition if they are able to qualify from their group.
Manager Steve Clarke has now been in charge for four years, and has a contract until 2026, meaning his system and tactics are well regimented into his players. If the proud Scots can maintain their current momentum, they could qualify top of theor group ahead of Euro 2008 and 2012 champions Spain. That would be a fantastic achievement for Clarke and his men.
