After the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup, Steve Clarke’s side have breezed to a place in Germany
The finality of the last European Championship stung Steve Clarke. Scotland had waited since 1998 to reach a major tournament. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic meant a further 12-month delay for the impatient Scots. Celebrations of a fine performance during the scoreless draw with England at Wembley – which in hindsight were over the top – only abated shortly before the 3-1 defeat against Croatia in Glasgow.
On the morning of 23 June 2021, Clarke bid farewell to his squad and the long-awaited adventure was over. The claiming of a single point from three games triggered the latest wave of concern over where Scotland stood in the football ecosystem. England shrugged off Scotland’s spirited attentions when progressing to the final. Clarke locked himself away and sulked.
Written by Ewan Murray in Lille
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/oct/15/scotland-qualified-euro-2024-steve-clarke under the title “Hard work, modesty and McTominay: how Scotland qualified for Euro 2024 | Ewan Murray”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
