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Euro 2020 Team Preview - SCOTLAND

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Scotland have high hopes of causing an upset or two at Euro 2020 - our team preview shows why

Betting odds to win the Euros
200/1
Best Euros
Group stage 1992 & 1996 
2016 Euros
Did not qualify

Scotland's Euro Schedule

Date Fixture Location
14th June 2pm Scotland v Czech Republic Glasgow
18th June 8pm England v Scotland Wembley
22nd June 8pm Croatia v Scotland Glasgow
Click here to read a full Group D preview

Road to the Euros

After their campaign began with a 3-0 loss in Kazakhstan, the Scots predictably beat San Marino 2-0, although the performance was less than convincing. A late 2-1 win at home to Cyprus would prove absolutely critical as Scotland went on to lose their next four games to Belgium and Russia. One thing they did do well was making the most of their winnable fixtures as three straight victories against San Marino, Cyprus and the Kazakhs were to follow. It allowed them to set up a playoff meeting with Israel, which they’d eventually win on penalties. Intent on getting in shootout practice ahead of the Euros, they also beat Serbia on penalties to reach the tournament finals.

Current form

Dating back to the tail end of their qualifying campaign, Scotland have only lost twice in 15 games. They haven’t beaten anyone of England or Croatia’s ability during that time, but they have beaten the Czech Republic twice which could be a huge mental boost. Draws against teams such as Serbia, Austria and Netherlands in recent times definitely do represent good progress. We can’t ignore the fact that Scotland will get to play a number of games in their home stadium and the advantage that could give them. You can go all the way back to 2006 and 66 home games and in that time, you’ll find only three teams from outside the world's top 10 to have won in Scotland.

Squad assessment

Overall, Scotland lack firepower. Even Che Adam’s decision to pledge his allegiance to the Scots doesn’t give them any particularly exciting options. It won’t be their goalscoring exploits but rather grit, determination and hard work that could see them escape the group. Their biggest assets are in defence where they have the Premier League experience of Leeds United’s Liam Cooper, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney. The midfield is very gritty and hard working under Clarke and Scott McTominay is going to be important in whatever role he plays. Whichever of Scotland’s trio of experienced goalkeepers plays, and it looks like Marshall, they’ll probably need to bring their A game as they can expect to be busy.

Key players

Scott McTominay has been the driving force for Manchester United at times this season and he’ll need to show the same sort of leadership for Scotland. He has at times been used as a centre back but that would surely be wasteful given his ability to keep the ball and his range of passing. He’s no stranger to driving forward and has been involved in nine goals for United. Scotland do have another Premier League midfield maestro in their ranks and that’s John McGinn. His creativity will be required if Scotland are to break down top level international defences.

Click below to read more about each of Scotland's Group D opponents:

England, Croatia, Czech Republic

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