The exclusion of Craig Gordon from Scotland’s squad for Euro 2024 came as a surprise to many football fans. The decision was made by manager Steve Clarke, who cited Gordon’s lack of playing time as a key factor. Despite Gordon’s remarkable comeback from a serious leg injury, Clarke felt that the veteran goalkeeper had not reclaimed his position as the number one at Hearts. With only seven games under his belt since December 2022, Gordon’s lack of consistent playing time raised concerns for Clarke, ultimately leading to his exclusion from the final squad.
Clarke revealed that breaking the news to Gordon was a tough and emotional conversation for both of them. Despite the disappointment of being left out of the squad, Gordon showed his professionalism and commitment by accepting the decision. Clarke’s gesture of offering Gordon his 75th cap in the game at Hampden Park showcased the respect and admiration he holds for the veteran goalkeeper. Gordon’s dedication to the national team over the years was evident as he took his place on the bench for Friday’s match, marking his 75th appearance for Scotland.
Apart from Gordon, Rangers defender John Souttar was another player who missed out on a spot in Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad. Initially named in the provisional squad, Souttar’s absence from the final selection highlighted the fierce competition for places in the team. Injuries to Ben Doak and Lyndon Dykes prompted their replacement by Tommy Conway and Lewis Morgan, who seized the opportunity to impress Clarke during the final warm-up match against Finland. Both Conway and Morgan managed to secure their spots in the squad for the upcoming tournament in Germany.
Scotland’s final squad for Euro 2024 consists of a blend of experienced players and promising talents across different positions on the field. The goalkeeping department includes Zander Clark, Angus Gunn, and Liam Kelly, providing Clarke with reliable options between the posts. The defensive line boasts the likes of Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, and Liam Cooper, who bring a wealth of experience from top clubs in Europe. The midfield is stacked with talented players such as Ryan Christie, John McGinn, and Scott McTominay, offering creativity and solidity in the center of the park. In attack, the presence of Che Adams, James Forrest, and Lawrence Shankland adds firepower and versatility to Scotland’s offensive options.
Scotland’s journey at Euro 2024 kicks off with a challenging fixture against hosts Germany on June 14. The team will then face Switzerland and Hungary in Group A as they aim to progress to the knockout stages of the tournament. The exclusion of Craig Gordon serves as a reminder of the tough decisions that managers have to make in selecting their final squads for major competitions. While Gordon’s absence may disappoint some fans, Clarke’s rationale behind the decision reflects the complexities involved in building a competitive team for a major international tournament. As Scotland prepares to compete against Europe’s best, the unity and determination within the squad will be crucial in their quest for success on the grand stage of Euro 2024.
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