Scotland’s defeat in Spain was harsh, but Norway’s subsequent defeat to La Furia Roja dashed any disappointment as it confirmed Scotland’s place at Euro 2024.
Steve Clarke’s stellar coaching job has taken the Scots to back-to-back European Championships and they’ll be hopeful of producing a better performance in Germany than they managed on home soil in 2021.
The Tartan Army conclude their October break with a friendly away to France, where they’ll be without captain Andy Robertson due to a shoulder injury. Clarke is expected to go strong in Lille on Tuesday, and here’s the team he could pick against Les Bleus.
GK: Angus Gunn – With Clarke unlikely to rotate heavily for this high-profile friendly, Scotland’s number one Gunn should continue between the sticks. He’s in for a busy night.
RWB: Nathan Patterson – Robertson’s injury will force a reshuffle in defence and it’s Everton‘s Patterson who’ll likely come into the side down the right flank with other pieces moving elsewhere.
CB: Jack Hendry – Hendry has been a regular under Clarke and is a sure bet to continue in the side on Tuesday.
CB: Scott McKenna – The Nottingham Forest defender will relish the projected duel with French target man Olivier Giroud. McKenna’s much more comfortable dealing with forwards of the Milan man’s profile.
CB: Ryan Porteous – Porteous has had an up-and-down time with the national team, but he’s re-emerged as a key man in Clarke’s backline.
LWB: Aaron Hickey – The versatile Hickey has gained many admirers as a result of his positional flexibility. After starting the Spain defeat down the right, he’ll likely switch over to the left on Tuesday in the absences of Robertson and Kieran Tierney.
RM: John McGinn – The Aston Villa star has enjoyed plenty of success in a nuanced wide position under Unai Emery. He’ll be a key driving force in transition for the visitors.
CM: Scott McTominay – McTominay thought he’d added to his legend in Seville when he gave Scotland the lead, but his direct free-kick was eventually ruled out by the VAR. The Man Utd midfielder has been brilliant for the national team over the past couple of years.
CM: Billy Gilmour – Gilmour is now a seasoned Premier League performer, but this is a big test for the former Chelsea hotshot. He’ll be expected to defend diligently and retain the ball calmly under pressure to offer Scotland some respite.
LM: Stuart Armstrong – Armstrong’s relentless running will come in handy against the French.
ST: Che Adams – Clarke could also rotate his striker on Tuesday after Lyndon Dykes drew a blank in Seville. Adams may come into the team, although he hasn’t scored since August.
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