Scotland’s Group Stage Exit at Euro 2024, Focus Shifts to Nations League and 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Despite Scotland’s disappointing group-stage exit at Euro 2024, former Scotland striker Kris Boyd believes manager Steve Clarke should remain in charge of the national team.
Scotland had high hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time after an impressive qualifying campaign. However, they were thrashed 4-0 by hosts Germany on the opening night, drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their second game, and suffered a dramatic 100th-minute defeat to Hungary on Sunday, leaving them bottom of Group A.
“There’s a lot to be positive about with this group. Yes, we’re disappointed, but from where we have been, to get to back-to-back Euros, there’s a lot of credit,” Boyd told Sky Sports.
Scotland will now turn their attention to the UEFA Nations League in the autumn, where they have been handed a tricky draw against Portugal, Croatia, and Poland after being promoted to the top division. Qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup then starts in March, and Boyd hopes Clarke is there to oversee both campaigns.
“We’ve got to dust ourselves down and go again,” he said. “There will be a lot of questions to answer for Steve Clarke, but, whatever happens, I hope he’s the man to lead us into the Nations League and qualifying for the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Mirror chief sports writer Andy Dunn believes a change in management might be beneficial for Scotland, as they appeared “stale” in Germany.
“It does sound harsh to say, but they do look like a team that didn’t perform up to the standard they can perform, and that has to lie with the coach,” Dunn said. “Sometimes at international level, a change is just good.”
Scotland will now regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges, as they aim to build on their recent progress and secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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