Scotland is facing significant challenges ahead of its Euro 2024 debut against host nation Germany, as injuries and absences plague key positions in the team.
Head coach Steve Clarke announced a provisional 28-man squad on Wednesday, notable for the absence of right backs Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson due to injury, along with midfielder Lewis Ferguson, who is recovering from knee surgery. Ferguson, captain of Bologna and acclaimed as the best midfielder in the Italian league this season, adds to Scotland’s concerns in midfield.
Included in the squad is goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 41, who recently returned from a year-long absence due to a double leg break. Additionally, 18-year-old Liverpool forward Ben Doak, despite being uncapped and having not played since December, has been selected.
Scotland’s striking options for the tournament primarily rest on Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams, both of whom have been competing in England’s second tier this season.
Scotland earned the honor of participating in Euro 2024’s opening match against Germany in Munich on June 14, followed by subsequent group stage encounters against Hungary and Switzerland.
Despite notable victories in qualifying, including a win against Spain, Scotland has historically struggled in major tournaments, never advancing beyond the group stage in its 11 previous appearances.
