Scotland National Team Archives - Page 3 of 7

Scotland 4-1 Curacao: Scotland Leave Curacao in Some State Ahead of USA Adventure

Scotland kicked-off their World Cup preparations with a more than convincing 4-1 victory over Dick Advocaat’s Curacao at Barclays Hampden. Tahith Chong gave the the tournament minnows a shock lead, but three unanswered goals after Jurgen Locadia’s sending off from Rangers’ double Findlay Curtis and Lawrence Shankland followed by a Ryan Christie spot kick gave Scotland a first friendly home win in over ten years. The smallest nation at this summer’s World Cup took a surprising lead on the 17th minute through former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong. Scott McKenna had been sucked out of position by a long ball, allowing Chong to drive forward, chop onto his stronger left foot and steer the ball home at the near post. George Hirst came closest to a Scottish equaliser when he leaped to meet a Kenny McLean cross, but his powerful effort was stopped from creeping into the bottom corner. Curacao would be reduced to 10 men eight minutes before half-time when ex-Brighton striker Jurgen Locadia’s yellow card was upgraded to a red following a VAR review. The 32-year-old elbowed Aaron Hickey in the face. Scotland made the man advantage count and went into the interval on level terms thanks to Findlay Curtis, who came off the bench five minutes prior for the injured Billy Gilmour. McLean slipped in the former Kilmarnock loanee, who rolled the ball home with his left boot for a first Scotland goal in only his second appearance for the national side. Tyler Fletcher, son of Scotland legend Darren, came off the bench at half-time to make his Scotland debut as one of five Steve Clarke substitutions at the break. Ryan Christie’s volley at the edge of the box was the first warning shot that Scotland were hunting a breakthrough just over ten minutes into the second period, which was stung away by Eloy Room after the Bournemouth man was superbly setup by Lawrence Shankland. And Christie would turn provider for the new Rangers forward a couple of minutes later, putting in a low pass from a corner routine for Shankland to wrap his right foot around and curl into the back of the net and make it 2-1 for the home side, and net his fifth goal in a Scottish jersey. Five goals for Scotland would be six only five minutes later when the 30-year-old was played through excellently by strike partner Lyndon Dykes, taking one touch and clipping a bouncing ball of the inside of the post to give Steve Clarke’s men a two-goal cushion. The second-half striking duo played an acrobatic one-two not long after the second which put Shankland through on goal for a hat-trick, but the former Hearts captain’s effort was rushed and tame. Jurien Gaari’s challenge on Findlay Curtis inside the box with ten minutes to play gave Christie the opportunity for his tenth Scotland goal from the penalty spot. The 31-year-old dully obliged, calmly slotting the ball down the middle to make it 4-1. The result marks the first time Scotland have won a friendly at home since defeating Denmark 1-0 all the way back in March 2016. Curacao have one more friendly against Aruba ahead of their World Cup opener with 2014 winners Germany on June 14th. As for Scotland, they face Bolivia in New Jersey next Saturday to finalise their preparations for Haiti which kicks off June 14th at 2am UK time. SCOTLAND: Gordon 5 (Kelly 77′ 2), Robertson 6 (Ralston 77′ 1), McKenna 3 (Hyam 46’ 4), Souttar 3 (Hanley 46’ 4), Hickey 3 (Patterson 46’ 3), McLean 8, Gilmour 3 (Curtis 42’ 7), Christie 7, Gannon-Doak 3 (Fletcher 46’4), Hirst 2 (Dykes 46’ 5), Shankland 9 (Wilson 77′ 1) Curacao: Room 4, Fonville 4, Obispo 4, Bazoer 2 (Kastaneer 46’ 3), Gaari 4, Floranus 5, Bacuna 3 (Roemeratoe 55’ 2), Bacuna 3 (Antonisse 61′ 2), Comenencia 3 (Noslin 61′ 1), Chong 6, Locadia 1

May 30, 2026

Scotland announce youth call-ups for World Cup training camp

James Wilson, Liam McFarlane, Luke Graham, and Tyler Fletcher will join Scotland’s training next week, as Steve Clarke’s World Cup preparations take shape. Clarke referenced the inclusion of several youth stars when naming his 26-man squad on Tuesday. “When I announced the squad, I made reference to a few young players joining us for training at Lesser Hampden.” “It’s helpful for us, because it boosts our numbers for training – given the staggered arrivals of those who are still playing domestically – and it allows us to take a closer look at some boys who are on our radar. “It should also be a very positive experience for the players themselves, who will get an insight into what we look for in the senior squad environment, surrounded by top professionals.” Clarke’s side begins their preparations by welcoming Curacao to Hampden on May 30th, as a send-off for the squad. Seven days later, they meet Bolivia in New Jersey, before opening their campaign against Haiti. Wilson and McFarlane join from Hearts, Graham from Dundee, and Fletcher from Manchester United.

May 21, 2026

SNN Sports predict the World Cup

Following Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad announcement, the SNN Sports journalists lodged their predictions for Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years. Winners Declan: Spain- I’ve swayed between Spain, France and even Argentina. I’m going Spain at the last minute as there’s something about the France squad I’m unsure about and I don’t think an ageing Argentina squad can go back-to-back. Spain have also been absolutely terrific since the Euros and I think they’ll continue that form and win their second World Cup. Mack: Spain- There’s not as many superstars as squads of their past, which can sometimes equate to less egos. They done fantastic at the Euros two years ago. I fully expect them to carry that form into this summer. Fayez: France- I think their strength in depth is simply too strong for everyone else. Liam: Spain- I feel they have so much quality in which they’ll be very strong and win the entire competition. Players like Yamal will be key to their success in winning the World Cup. Top goalscorer Declan: Erling Haaland- Not only do I think he’s the best striker in the world, I think he’s already one of the best strikers ever. Norway were brilliant during qualifying and scored a lot of goals. I’ve got them to get to the semi-final meaning they’ll be there to the end. I can see Haaland bagging a lot of goals on the way there. Mack: Harry Kane- A bit of a cop out to predict world’s best striker to be the best goalscorer. But even by his own standards he’s scoring at an outrageous rate, and will be leading the line for one of the tournament’s favourites. Fayez: Harry Kane- He’s had an incredible season with Bayern Munich and will rack up a number of goals, especially if England can get some favourable ties. Liam: Kylian Mbappe- Despite not winning the World Cup, I think Mbappe will be top goalscorer as he’s done for many years with both PSG and Real Madrid. Dark horses Declan: Ecuador- I don’t want to call Haaland that good and then call his team the dark horses. Ecuador have went under the radar for their qualifying campaign, they look a really hard team to beat thanks to a brilliant defence. Mack: Norway- They’ve got such a strong squad and that’s before you even get to Erling Haaland. They never lost a game in qualifying and will go into their first World Cup in 28 years with a loads of momentum. Fayez: Norway or Japan- Norway were brilliant in qualifying and have a number of quality players, I think they could seriously go on a deep run. As for Japan, they’ve really flown under the radar with a solid squad and have shown great form in their friendly wins over Brazil, England and of course, Scotland. I think they can definitely give the big teams a shock this tournament. Liam: Japan- As we’ve seen in recent months, they look a very good squad as we of course saw at Hampden as well as against England and I just feel they may cause a few shocks along the way. Flops Declan: Germany- Granted they’ve not made it out of the groups in the last two World Cups, but that shouldn’t be normal for a country with four World Cups and one of the best footballing histories. Whilst I think they’ll make it out of the group this time round, I’ve got them to finish behind Ecuador and go home shortly after. Mack: France- I just think everything that’s went on with Mbappe at Real Madrid could potentially carry on into the France setup. they are a side that should go far, but I think a lack of cohesion amongst the players will make room for an early exit. Fayez: Belgium- They’ve always been perennial underachievers. The golden generation never lived up to the hype with many of those players in their prime, I don’t think the squad is strong enough to have the tournament you’d expect from a team like them. I don’t think they’ll have a shock exit like in 2022, but I can’t see them going far in the knockout stage. Liam: Belgium- A team that seems to be declining in quality and a team who I don’t think will do as good as they did in the past. Although they still have KDB and Doku, I still don’t believe they have enough quality to go far in this tournament. How far will Scotland go? Declan: Group stages- The squad doesn’t fill me with confidence, the last international break doesn’t fill me with confidence and our group doesn’t do that either. I don’t think we can beat Haiti by enough goals (beating them isn’t even a guarantee) and I just don’t know where that elusive fourth point will come from. Mack: Group stages- I’m forever a pessimist, I don’t see Scotland performing particularly well. We need to beat Haiti by a lot of goals and I simply don’t think we have the style of play to do that. Fayez: Round of 32- I believe that Scotland will get out of the group stages for the first time. Being one of the best 3rd place teams is most likely. You have to expect the boys will get the jobs done against Haiti (although I think it’ll be a tough watch) and can be competitive in the games against Morocco and Brazil. Depending on how the other teams place we could be in for a difficult first knockout tied I think that’ll be the end for us. Getting into the knockout stages will be the aim for the team and if they do that, I think it’ll be considered a successful tournament. Liam: Knockout stages- I think Scotland will finish 3rd in the group and hopefully continue to progress.

May 20, 2026

“We’ve got to produce our best” – Clarke opens up on World Cup Selection

Steve Clarke has backed the experience of his squad, stating he “understands the responsibility” of leading the nation to their first World Cup in 28 years. Speaking at Hampden following the squad announcement, the manager expressed his excitement for the tournament but admitted the selection process had taken its toll. “You’ve got to think a lot about it, make sure you get the balance right. I feel we’ve done that. Everybody knows the way I work. “I don’t think there was any point in building experience over the squad, we’ve done that, this is the group of players who understand how to qualify for major tournaments. “Hopefully the experience of the boys who have been to major tournaments before will come to the fore and we’ll do something no Scottish team has done before.” Clarke’s goalkeeping trio included veteran Craig Gordon. The manager praised the 43-year-old’s “resilience” after recovering from another injury scare. “Always difficult when you have goalkeepers not playing regularly. “As long as they are working to their maximum in training, you feel they can come in and play for a number of games. “We’ve had good reports back from Hearts, he’s training very well, he assures us he’s fully fit. “He’s shown a tremendous resilience. He deserves to be there. If he was to struggle, we have the option to change them. The squad includes Southampton striker Ross Stewart, who makes a return to the international fore for the first time in four years. “It’s a good story, Ross. He was in my squad a few years ago, showed he could come up to this level. “He’s had a terrible run with injury, but from January onwards he’s hit a rich vein of form. “He’s shown he can score big goals in big games. The Arsenal game in the cup showed he can have an impact on games of that level. “He’s a striker in form, so I decided to add him to the group. “I put a lot of importance on characters in the group. You need good relationships.” Lawrence Shankland also made the cut, despite enduring a difficult weekend for Hearts in their title showdown against Celtic. Clarke understands that the result will sting the striker, but believes he will be ready to have an “impact” this summer. I’ve got no fears about any of my players leading the line. “Lawrence and his club have had a fantastic season, obviously it ended in a bit of heartbreak at the weekend. “In my experience, footballers are very resilient. It will take him a few days and a few conversations. He needs to decompress a little bit now and be ready to have an impact on the World Cup this summer.” Behind every World Cup selection lies the heartbreak of those left behind. Clarke opened up about the five incredibly difficult conversations he had to deliver, including breaking the bad news to youngster Lennon Miller. “I had five very difficult conversations [with players who didn’t make it]. “I know how they’ll be feeling. [Lennon Miller] had been in a few squads, maybe felt he was going to be a regular. “I felt with the balance of the midfield it was better to take an extra forward than a midfield player.” Findlay Curtis backed up his March call-up by securing a place in the final squad. The Rangers youngster, who joined Kilmarnock on loan in January, clearly boosted his chances with a strong run of form. Clarke joked that he hopes the midfielder is “jumping around the living room” after learning he made the cut. “I don’t tell them, I let their clubs tell them. I just put the squad out this morning. “Findlay was hopefully jumping around the living room, or wherever he is in the world. He’s probably on holiday. “Impressions when I brought him in in March – he fitted in very well. He’s got something a little bit different to what we’ve got. “He’s shown he can score a goal, he’s finished the season in a great place and it’s nice to have a young one in the squad.” Scotland Squad for 2026 World Cup Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly. Defenders: Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Kieran Tierney. Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Findlay Curtis, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon-Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay. Forwards: Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, Lawrence Shankland, Ross Stewart.

May 19, 2026

Steve Clarke Announces Scotland World Cup Squad

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has announced his 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup. Southampton forward Ross Stewart has earned his first call-up in four years, with the 29-year-old being preferred to the likes of Hellas Verona’s Kieron Bowie. Findlay Curtis is rewarded for his fine end to his loan spell at Kilmarnock, after the 19-year-old made his debut for the national side in March against Japan. But there is disappointment for domestic talents such as Hearts’ Harry Milne and Stuart Findlay, Falkirk’s Scott Bain and Calvin Miller, Motherwell’s Stephen Welsh who failed to make the plane, along with surprise omission Lennon Miller of Serie A side Udinese, who made 25 appearances for the Italians last campaign. GOALKEEPERS: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers) DEFENDERS: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dominic Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic). MIDFIELDERS: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli). FORWARDS: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton).

May 19, 2026

Predicting the 26-man Scotland World Cup squad

Steve Clarke will name his final 26-man squad tomorrow ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup since 1998. Historically Clarke has been loyal to his core of players, especially those who have qualified for three of the last four major tournaments after Scotland went over 20 years without making one prior to his arrival. Here’s the men I think will be on the plane to the USA this summer, with some explanation as to why. Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly, Scott Bain- Thankfully Bain’s injury doesn’t seem too serious, despite missing the end of the season he should be back for the World Cup. He’s certainly earned his seat on the plane after 39 appearances for Falkirk who secured sixth place on their return to the Premiership. As for the other two, they have a combined four appearances all season. If he hadn’t been injured there would have been a case for Craig Gordon, not only for his hand in Scotland qualifying against Denmark, but also as a reward for his excellent playing career. Centrebacks: Scott McKenna, John Souttar, Jack Hendry, Dominic Hyam, Stephen Welsh- Whilst David Gray said it was “too early to tell” the extent of Grant Hanley’s injury, it didn’t look pretty so you’d imagine he’d be ruled out of the World Cup too. Hyam made 47 appearances this season as Wrexham pushed for the play-offs. As for Welsh, he’s coming off the best season of his career at Motherwell and probably warrants a call-up regardless of injuries. Ryan Porteous could be an additional option. The ex-Hibs defender has only played one minute for the national team since his sending off in the EURO 2024 opener, but has enjoyed a promising start to the season at LAFC, even getting the Man of the Match award in a 3-0 win against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. Fullbacks: Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, Aaron Hickey, Harry Milne- Hickey missed out on the last squad but replaces Nathan Patterson for me. Despite impressing in the Japan match, Patterson just hasn’t played enough minutes this season, whilst Hickey offers more versatility and has featured more. As for Milne, he’s been exceptional for Hearts this season and has shown he can play on either flank. Midfielders: Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson, John McGinn, Lennon Miller, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean–No surprises here. Forwards: Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Kieron Bowie, Lawrence Shankland- A lot has been made of Clarke’s loyalty to his players- so Adams and Dykes are no-brainers, especially with the latter missing EURO 2024. In my opinion, Shankland should be the leading #9 this summer. His consistency over the years can’t be matched by any other forward and he’s fresh off the back of a 20-goal campaign where Hearts nearly won the title. Findlay Curtis has done well for Kilmarnock this season and one of Scotland’s most promising players Gannon-Doak is returning from injury just in time for the World Cup. Personally, I’d take Bowie over George Hirst, who hasn’t impressed in a Scotland shirt for me. The Hellas Verona forward has scored four times since his move to Italy, which doesn’t jump out until you look further. Since his debut, Verona have only scored seven goals, with over half coming from Bowie. He’s also only played 13 games, so he’s averaging a goal in just under every three games, which isn’t bad going for a side that was destined for relegation since his arrival. Additionally, he netted nine times for Hibs prior to his January departure, so all-in-all it’s a respectable season in-front of goal for the forward. He’s also got experience playing out wide, which isn’t an area Scotland are blessed in, whilst he’s unlikely to operate on the wing at the World Cup, it’s an option that could be looked at if times get desperate. In an interview earlier this month Steve Clarke said that his squad was more or less finalised, with only two spots left up for grabs. However, injuries to players such as Hanley and Tommy Conway may have shaken up the Scotland Boss’ thinking ahead of tomorrow’s 12pm announcement.

May 18, 2026

Would the SFA replace Steve Clarke with Russell Martin?

Scotland are about to take part in their first World Cup in 28 years. It was the iconic 4-2 victory against Denmark that sent sealed qualification for the Scots where Scott McTominay scored a breathtaking overhead kick and Kenny McLean found the back of the net from the halfway line. Preparation hasn’t gone to plan for Steve Clarke’s men as they lost to Japan and Ivory Coast last month. Clarke’s future is uncertain as his contract is up after the World Cup and it’s got many thinking who would be his replacement? Derek McInnes is flying at Hearts and is on the cusp of making history and potentially winning the Scottish Premiership title, would he want to leave the Jam Tarts at this point when he’s building something special? Alex Neil is flying at Millwall and could be a Premier League manager again next season, would he want to leave that for the Scotland gig? John McGlynn would be a great shout to replace Clarke, but would the SFA do that? That’s too sensible for them. I’m not saying I want this to happen – not in the slightest, but it would not shock me if the powers that be appointed Russell Martin. Firstly, he already has a good relationship with the SFA. Secondly, he’s a former Scotland international. Thirdly, he’s charming, talks a good game and has the ability to win them over by his word salad hipster powerpoint presentations. It’s quite a wild card prediction but it’s something the SFA would do.

April 29, 2026

“We had to show it again today, and we showed it in abundance to get the job done!”- Anthony Ralston reflects on a dramatic Scottish Cup victory

Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston praised the character shown by the Celtic squad to fend off a St. Mirren comeback and reach a fourth consecutive Scottish Cup final. Celtic ran out 6-2 winners, but needed extra-time to see off Craig Mcleish’s side who came back from 2-0 down in stoppage time. Ralston scored his first Hampden goal in a Celtic shirt to put Martin O’Neill’s side 2-0 up just before half time. But Celtic needed to show a lot of resilience after dropping a two goal lead. “The mentality that we showed, that we’ve showed all throughout the years has gave us success. We had to show it again today and we showed it in abundance to get the job done.” He also mentioned that Celtic will be keen to win May’s cup final, having lost their last two cup finals. But focus now immediately shifts to the title race. “It’s in the back of our mind in terms of we’ve obviously got a title race to take care of in the next couple of weeks. Then we can have that at the end of the season and hopefully get more silverware.” Ralston also acknowledged that his place in the Scotland World Cup squad isn’t guaranteed, but a goal today as well as two more potential winners medals will certainly help his case for a call-up. “I don’t take anything for granted. It’s a crazy game. That’s why days like today, I need to keep taking my opportunities, I need to keep proving myself to hopefully get in that squad and that’s obviously my aim. As well as obviously being successful and winning trophies. I’ve got a lot that keeps me going and a lot that drives me everyday to be at my best. “Everybody’s a collective here. You know, we’re all hungry, we’ve all got the desire. We know it’s been a tough season. “I’ve got enough on my plate to try and win more. So I’m going to try and win more trophies at Celtic going into the end of the season and also trying to be successful internationally as well. So I’ve got a lot to keep me going.” He also admitted that prior to his goal, his first instinct wasn’t even to go for goal. “Initially, in my mind I was going to cross it. But then I thought I’ll just have a hit. Then it’s about having as clean a strike as possible across the goal and maybe not as close to the crossbar as I wanted. “I’ve not scored at Hampden for Celtic and I’ve said it all through the years. It was an incredible feeling.” Celtic will now face Dunfermline Athletic on the 23rd May in the final of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup. But they’ll first turn their attention to league action with five games remaining in this year’s title race. Celtic host Falkirk on Saturday.

April 19, 2026

“If We Don’t Get The Result, We Just Get Booed” – Scotland Skipper on Tartan Booing Brigade

Scotland captain Andrew Robertson believes only a ‘minority’ of Scottish fans voiced their displeasure as the national side were booed off after a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool. Steve Clarke’s team were also subject to booing after a home 1-0 defeat to Japan in their last game, with the Scotland manager labelling the noise as ‘disappointing’. And his skipper Robertson, who became Scotland’s second most capped player ever last night, agrees that the crowd reaction isn’t justified. He said: “I think it’s now just set, if we don’t get the result then we just get booed. “What I will say is 95% of the fans drowned it out very quickly, so it’s a small minority. It was a small minority at Hampden on Saturday and it was a small minority today. “Everyone behind that goal that were clapping were fans that were appreciative of what they’ve seen, appreciative of the team that have took them to a World Cup, and the reception at the end was unbelievable. So it’s only a few people. “For me, that’s not a booing performance. Okay, we got beat, and I hate getting beat, but it was a lot of positives to take. It wasn’t from a want or trying, we played some really good stuff, especially in the second half.” And the 32-year-old was quick to point out the level of opposition that Scotland had tested themselves out against in these two friendlies. “I think Japan have just beat England 1-0 today as well. Let’s be real, we go beat off Japan 1-0 and it was a 0-0 game, we just probably made a mistake and they’ve went and beat England. “Ivory Coast won 4-0 on Saturday and I think for large parts, we were the better team.” Scotlands next confirmed fixture is at home to Curacao on May 30th, as they have one final send off before their first World Cup in 28 years.

April 1, 2026

“I was scared” – Returning McGinn feared World Cup dream was over

John McGinn admits he was “petrified” after being forced off with injury in January, casting doubt over his World Cup place, as the Aston Villa captain looks ahead to their maiden tournament appearance for 28 years. Speaking ahead of their latest friendly against the Ivory Coast in Merseyside, McGinn recalled the panic from the injury at Villa Park. “I remember right away feeling, oh, this isn’t right. It was 10, 15 minutes into the game, I blocked a pass against Everton, and I knew right away, so my hand goes up, and obviously, I’ve known experienced players who have done serious knee injuries six months plus, feeling able to walk off. “I was petrified, really, but then you get the scan, and you wait, and thankfully it was good news that it was only a minor knee injury. “The knee obviously reacts in different ways to surgery, but it could have been a lot, lot worse. It was expected to be six to eight weeks. Managed to come back in six weeks.” “I thought it was an important time for the club, an important time of the season, big games, but then, as the days went on, it started to swell more and there was more fluid in the knee,” he recalls. “So, as much as I like to think I could have braved on, it was clear quite soon that I needed the surgery. As you get older, of course, you need to look after your body. I’m 31 now, so to do anything crazy would be wild.” Ten years ago this past weekend, McGinn collected the first of 84 international caps against Denmark. The former Hibs midfielder appreciated the journey he and his teammates have embarked on. “It was a friendly against a team who had qualified, but we had nothing to play for,” he recalls. “It does seem like a long time ago, but the way we’ve evolved as a group of players is huge. “How far we’ve come is incredible.” Having represented Scotland at back-to-back European Championships, McGinn understands the rise in expectations from the Tartan Army ahead of their overseas trip to Boston and Miami. “There’s still so much we’ve got to improve, we know that,” he says. “But we’re a small country, fighting against bigger nations. We don’t have the same luxuries that they do. But what we do have is grit and determination. “Was this our best campaign? No, probably not in terms of performances. But we had one objective, and that was to finish first in the group, create some history, and we managed to do that.”

March 30, 2026