#Letakan iklan disini
Football May 05, 2026

World Cup 2026: Steve Clarke "more or less" set on Scotland's squad but "undecided" over two positions

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
World Cup 2026: Steve Clarke "more or less" set on Scotland's squad but "undecided" over two positions

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has revealed he remains "undecided" over two positions in his World Cup squad.

However, the 62-year-old admits he has "more or less" settled on the rest of his group as Scotland prepare to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Clarke will name an initial 55-man pool that will then be cut down to a final 26-player group who fly out to the USA for a pre-tournament camp in Fort Lauderdale before their opening game against Haiti on June 14 (2am).

The core of the team who qualified for the tournament, including the likes of captain Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Billy Gilmour, Kenny McLean and co will all likely be on the plane to America.

However, there are question marks around his No 1. Injuries and a lack of game time at club level have meant that, since the Euros, six players have been thrown the gloves - and the top two on that list are currently not playing for their clubs.

Angus Gunn started all three Euro 2024 games, but has played just 45 minutes for Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Craig Gordon has had his game time limited at Hearts due to injuries, and the form of Alexander Schwolow.

Clarke told Your Site: "It's going to be difficult now [for new names to break into the squad] with only two or three weeks of the season to go. I'm more or less set in my mind.

"If I'm being honest, I've probably still got two positions where I haven't quite decided what to do or who to pick.

"There's also the thought of how many defenders do I take? How many midfielders? How many forwards? Just to try and get that balance right, so that when we get there the squad is capable of playing the way I want them to play in certain matches, and making sure we are in the best possible shape."

Clarke was speaking at the PFA Scotland awards night, where he was awarded the Special Merit award after leading the national team to their first men's World Cup since 1998.

The prize has been won in recent years by Sir Alex Ferguson, Graeme Souness and Sir Kenny Dalglish, with Clarke adding his name to that list, having become the first head coach to qualify for three major tournaments.

"It's a reflection of how well the team have done, said Clarke. "I've had help from the coaches, and a massive help from the players and we've managed to get to a World Cup after so long - 28 years. For a country like Scotland - that is too long. The reaction since we qualified tells you that.

"It brings its own stresses, and there are lots of things to organise - but it's been enjoyable. To be at the World Cup, now our third tournament we've qualified for - the first one was a little bit Covid-affected, then obviously going to Germany for Euro 2024 was a great experience.

"We have a little bit more tournament experience now. We knew what we were looking for, and we've managed to secure some fantastic facilities out in the USA that hopefully will help us prepare for the tournament. Hopefully, this time, we get it right and qualify out of the group."

Tags:

football news

Share this article

Related Posts

James Tavernier: Rangers captain to leave Scottish Premiership club at end of season after 11 years at Ibrox

James Tavernier: Rangers captain to leave Scottish Premiership club at end of season after 11 years at Ibrox

Rangers captain James Tavernier has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season, after 11 years at Ibrox. The 34-year-old joined the Ibr...

Tatjana Haenni interview: RB Leipzig boss is first woman CEO in Bundesliga and out to ignite club and to win titles

Tatjana Haenni interview: RB Leipzig boss is first woman CEO in Bundesliga and out to ignite club and to win titles

Tatjana Haenni, the first woman to be the CEO of a Bundesliga team when appointed by RB Leipzig in December, is being asked about Union Berlin’s new h...

John Stones: Man City defender expected to leave at the end of the season

John Stones: Man City defender expected to leave at the end of the season

John Stones is expected to leave Manchester City when his contract expires in June – completing an illustrious 10-year spell at the club.The England c...

Chelsea head coach: Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola leading candidate to succeed Liam Rosenior after Stamford Bridge sacking - Paper Talk

Chelsea head coach: Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola leading candidate to succeed Liam Rosenior after Stamford Bridge sacking - Paper Talk

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday's newspapers...Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is a leading candidate to replace Liam Rosen...

Championship highlights! Ipswich retake second, Blackburn secure safety & Middlesbrough win

Championship highlights! Ipswich retake second, Blackburn secure safety & Middlesbrough win

Who could be next Chelsea boss? Henry and Carra assess potential candidatesAndoni Iraola was one of the coaches Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry disc...

Liam Rosenior: Chelsea part company with head coach after five straight Premier League defeats without scoring

Liam Rosenior: Chelsea part company with head coach after five straight Premier League defeats without scoring

Chelsea have parted company with Liam Rosenior - just 107 days after he took charge.Calum McFarlane will lead the team into Sunday's FA Cup semi-final...