Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby in Denmark, has finally earned his first senior call‑up for Scotland. The defender, who has previously represented both England and Scotland at under‑21 level, said the invitation from new national team manager Sébastien Pocognoli felt like a natural step rather than a decision that required persuasion.
"I didn't need any convincing; I was available," Binks told Sky Sports News, adding that his desire to wear the Scottish shirt has been a long‑standing ambition. "I've wanted to play for Scotland for years and now the opportunity has come, I'm just really proud." Pocognoli, who took over after Steve Clarke's tenure ended, announced a revamped squad for the Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland.
Six of the selected players, including Binks, are making their full‑senior debuts, underscoring the manager's intent to inject fresh talent into a side that missed out on the 2022 World Cup and was relegated from League A after a playoff loss to Greece. The defender explained that the choice to represent Scotland was never about external pressure. "If a manager had to beg me or anyone else to pick a nation, that wouldn't be right for the player," he said, echoing Pocognoli's stance that the decision should come from the heart. For Binks, the pull was unmistakable: "It's where you feel your heart is and where you want to go.
This was the route I wanted to take." Binks' journey with Scotland began at youth level. He recalled a formative experience in Bologna, where he and fellow Scot Aaron Hickey were both called up while playing abroad. "I could play for the U21s at the time and nothing ever came up, but Scotland was always the one for me that I wanted to go and play for," he reflected.
He also remembered his early days with the under‑16s, describing the atmosphere as "proper team" vibes, a group of ordinary lads who felt like mates on the pitch. That camaraderie left a lasting impression and cemented his desire to return to the senior set‑up. The upcoming schedule will see Scotland travel to Ljubljana for a match against Switzerland on September 29, followed by a trip to North Macedonia on October 3, and a home clash with Slovenia on October 6. The nation hopes to bounce back from its recent demotion and regain a place in League A.
Binks acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that a new manager at his club had required a period of adjustment, and he expects a similar process for the national side. "It's just about getting the players on board and buying into everything the manager wants to do. It's been early days, but I think everyone is fully on board and believes in what we can do as a country," he said.
Beyond Binks, the squad features a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging prospects. Goalkeepers include Scott Bain, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly and Jon McCracken. The defensive line combines experience—Andy Robertson, Scott McKenna, Aaron Hickey—with younger talents such as Josh Doig and Colby Donovan. In midfield, the likes of Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour and John McGinn bring creativity, while the attacking unit features Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis and Oli McBurnie among others.
The broader context of Scotland's footballing landscape adds weight to Binks' enthusiasm. After the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup and the subsequent relegation in the Nations League, the team is undergoing a cultural shift under Pocognoli. The manager has emphasized a playing style that blends defensive solidity with attacking flair, aiming to restore national pride and compete with Europe's elite.
Binks, who recently transferred to Brøndby and captains the side, believes his club experience—adapting to a new manager, learning a different league, and leading a team—will translate well to the international stage. Fans can follow the action through Sky Sports' streaming services, with flexible options available via the Sky Sports app.
The association also encourages supporters to stay updated via WhatsApp for the latest news, videos, and analysis. Upcoming fixtures are slated as follows: Slovenia vs Scotland on September 26 (2 pm), Scotland vs Switzerland on September 29 (7.45 pm), North Macedonia vs Scotland on October 3 (7.45 pm), Scotland vs Slovenia on October 6 (7.45 pm), followed by further matches in November against North Macedonia and Switzerland. In summary, Luis Binks' debut marks a personal milestone and a symbolic moment for a Scotland side eager to rebuild. His heartfelt commitment, combined with a youthful squad and a fresh managerial approach, offers a hopeful narrative for the nation's footballing future.