Scotland’s national team boss, Steve Clarke, has admitted that while the bulk of his World Cup roster is effectively locked in, there remain two positions that are still up for debate. The 62‑year‑old manager, who has guided Scotland back to the world’s premier football tournament for the first time since the 1998 edition, says he has "more or less" settled on the majority of the squad, but a couple of places are still causing him a headache. Clarke will initially announce a provisional 55‑man list, which will later be whittled down to a final 26‑player contingent that will travel to the United States for a pre‑tournament training camp in Fort Lauderdale. The squad will then face its opening match against Haiti on June 14, a game scheduled for 2 a.m.
local time. The core of the side that secured qualification – captain Andy Robertson, midfield stalwarts Scott McTominay and John McGinn, promising youngster Billy Gilmour, versatile defender Kenny McLean and several others – are all expected to be on the flight to America. The lingering uncertainty surrounds the goalkeeper position. Since the conclusion of Euro 2024, six keepers have been given a look, but the two leading candidates have seen little action at club level.
Angus Gunn, who started all three of Scotland’s Euro fixtures, has managed only 45 minutes of football for Nottingham Forest this season. Meanwhile, veteran Craig Gordon’s playing time at Hearts has been restricted by a string of injuries, and Alexander Schwolow’s form has also been called into question. Speaking to Sky Sports, Clarke explained the difficulty of integrating fresh faces so late in the season: "It’s going to be difficult now, with only two or three weeks of the season left, for new names to break into the squad. I’m more or less set in my mind about the majority of the players." He went on to be candid about the two unresolved spots: "If I’m being honest, I still have two positions where I haven’t quite decided what to do or who to pick.
There’s also the question of how many defenders I take, how many midfielders, how many forwards – I need to strike the right balance so the squad can execute the style of play I want in each match and be in the best possible condition." Clarke made these comments while accepting the Special Merit award at the PFA Scotland awards ceremony, an accolade previously bestowed on legends such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Graeme Souness and Sir Kenny Dalglish. By securing qualification for three major tournaments, Clarke has added his name to an elite list of Scottish coaches. He reflected on the significance of the achievement: "It’s a reflection of how well the team have performed.
I’ve had help from the coaching staff and massive support from the players, and we’ve managed to reach a World Cup after 28 years. For a country like Scotland, that’s far too long. The reaction since we qualified shows how much it means to the fans." Clarke also acknowledged the logistical and psychological pressures that accompany a World Cup campaign. "It brings its own stresses, and there are lots of things to organise – but it’s been enjoyable.
To be at the World Cup now, our third tournament qualification – the first was somewhat Covid‑affected, then the Euro 2024 experience in Germany was fantastic. We have a bit more tournament experience now." He highlighted the preparations underway in the United States: "We know what we’re looking for, and we’ve secured some fantastic facilities out in the USA that should help us get ready.
Hopefully this time we get it right and make it out of the group stage." Beyond the goalkeeper dilemma, Clarke hinted at the broader tactical considerations shaping his final selections. He needs to decide how many full‑backs versus centre‑backs to carry, whether to favour a more defensive or attacking midfield setup, and how many versatile forwards to include who can adapt to different formations. The balance between experience and youth is also a factor; while veterans like Robertson and McGinn bring leadership, younger talents such as Gilmour and McLean add energy and unpredictability.
The provisional list will also feature several players who have been on the fringes of the squad during the Euro campaign. Some have been called up for training camps but have not yet featured prominently in competitive matches.
Their performances in the remaining league fixtures could tip the scales in Clarke’s final decision. In addition to the on‑field considerations, off‑field logistics such as travel arrangements, accommodation, and acclimatisation to the climate in Florida are being meticulously planned.
The Scottish Football Association has negotiated training venues, medical support, and nutrition programmes to ensure the players arrive in peak condition. Clarke’s openness about the two undecided spots underscores the fine margins that can determine a team’s success at a tournament of this magnitude. A single selection could influence the squad’s depth, tactical flexibility, and overall morale. As the deadline for the final 26‑man roster approaches, fans will be watching closely to see which names finally make the cut.
Regardless of the final decisions, the excitement in Scotland is palpable. After a 28‑year wait, the nation is poised to showcase its talent on the world stage, hoping to progress beyond the group phase and perhaps write a new chapter in its footballing history.