2025-11-13 09:00
I still remember the first time I watched Scotland play in a major tournament - it was Euro 2020, and despite the pandemic restrictions, the energy from Hampden Park practically vibrated through my television screen. There's something special happening with Scottish football that we haven't witnessed in decades. As someone who's followed international football for over twenty years, I can confidently say this current Scottish squad represents the most promising generation since the days when they regularly qualified for World Cups back in the 90s.
The transformation began subtly under Steve Clarke's management. When he took over in 2019, Scotland hadn't qualified for a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France. That's twenty-three years of near misses and heartbreaking playoff defeats that I've personally endured as a fan. Clarke implemented a pragmatic 3-5-2 system that maximized the squad's strengths, particularly in defense where players like Kieran Tierney and Andrew Robertson formed an unexpectedly brilliant partnership. What impressed me most was how Clarke managed to create a system where two left-backs could become the foundation of our most successful team in a generation. The statistics speak for themselves - in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, Scotland conceded only 7 goals in 10 matches, a remarkable improvement from previous campaigns where defensive fragility was our Achilles' heel.
Qualification for Euro 2020 marked a turning point that I believe will be remembered as the moment Scottish football rediscovered its identity. The playoff victory against Serbia, decided in a dramatic penalty shootout, felt like an exorcism of decades of disappointment. I'll never forget David Marshall's save from Aleksandar Mitrović's spot-kick - that single moment released twenty-two years of pent-up frustration for every Scottish supporter. The subsequent tournament performance, while not spectacular in terms of results, demonstrated a newfound resilience. Drawing 0-0 with England at Wembley particularly stands out in my memory - the discipline and organization shown that night proved Scotland could compete with international football's traditional powerhouses.
Looking at the current squad composition reveals why this renaissance has occurred. Unlike previous generations that relied heavily on one or two star players, this team possesses quality throughout. Captain Andy Robertson brings leadership forged at Liverpool's highest levels, while John McGinn's development into a genuine goal threat from midfield has provided something we've desperately lacked. McGinn's 14 international goals since 2019 represent the most consistent scoring form from a Scottish midfielder since the days of Gary McAllister. What excites me most, however, is the emerging generation. Billy Gilmour's technical assurance in midfield, Nathan Patterson's explosive potential at right-back, and Lewis Ferguson's continued development at Bologna suggest the foundation is strengthening rather than weakening.
The recent qualification for Euro 2024 through a group containing Spain and Norway demonstrated the team's growing maturity. Beating Spain 2-0 at Hampden wasn't just a fluke - it was a tactical masterclass that showcased Scotland's ability to execute specific game plans against elite opposition. Scott McTominay's unexpected emergence as a goal machine during this campaign, with 7 goals in 8 qualifiers, provided the firepower that previous Scottish teams often lacked. I've been particularly impressed by how Clarke has fostered a club-like atmosphere within the national setup - something that was noticeably absent during the lean years. Players consistently speak about the positive environment, and it shows in their performances.
Regarding future prospects, the core of this squad should remain competitive through the 2026 World Cup cycle. The experience gained from back-to-back European Championships cannot be overstated. However, challenges remain that could impact our progress. The situation reminds me somewhat of what basketball coach Tim Cone mentioned about player availability issues, stating "I don't know yet of the availability of the Japan and Korea players. Honestly, I don't know. They are not under FIBA regulations to play in the Asian Games so I'm not sure about their availability." While different sports have different governing bodies, the parallel exists in football - we must ensure our best players remain available and committed, particularly as English clubs increasingly look to restrict international participation due to fixture congestion.
The development pathway for young Scottish players has improved dramatically since the implementation of Project Brave in 2017. The restructuring of youth football and increased focus on technical development is beginning to bear fruit, though I'd argue we still lag behind countries like Belgium and Portugal in systematic player production. The success of clubs like Celtic and Rangers in European competitions has provided valuable continental experience for Scottish players, while the number of Scots playing in England's Premier League has increased to approximately 12 regular starters this season - the highest number since 2011.
What truly excites me about Scotland's future is the changing mentality. The "glorious failure" narrative that haunted Scottish football for so long has been replaced by genuine expectation. We no longer hope to compete - we expect to compete. The upcoming Nations League campaign provides another opportunity to test ourselves against Europe's best, while the expanded World Cup format offers our best qualification chance since 1998. Personally, I believe this group has the potential to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament - something no Scottish team has ever achieved. The blend of experienced leaders like Robertson and McGinn with emerging talents creates what I consider the most balanced Scottish squad in my lifetime. The days of crossing our fingers and hoping for the best are over - now we plan, we execute, and we believe. And as someone who's endured the disappointments, I can confidently say this makes following the national team more rewarding than ever before.
