"Scotland Has Always Been My Choice" – Binks Thrilled by First Senior Call‑Up

Luis Binks, the 25‑year‑old centre‑back who captains Brøndby in Denmark, has finally achieved a lifelong ambition: earning his first senior cap for Scotland. The defender, who has represented both England and Scotland at under‑21 level, said the moment felt like a dream come true when new national team manager Sébastien Pocognoli announced his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. "I have wanted to wear the Scotland shirt for years, and now the chance has arrived.

I’m incredibly proud," Binks told Sky Sports News. His excitement was palpable as he reflected on the journey that led him to this point, from youth internationals to the senior team. Binks’ path to the senior side has been anything but straightforward. Born in England, he qualified for Scotland through his family heritage and was first called up to the Scottish under‑21s, later switching to the English under‑21s before returning to the Scottish set‑up.

When Pocognoli, who took over after Steve Clarke’s departure, approached him for the senior squad, Binks said he needed no persuasion. "I didn’t need any convincing; I was ready and available," he explained.

"It’s where my heart lies and where I feel I belong. This is the route I have always wanted to take." Pocognoli’s philosophy, Binks noted, is to let players decide for themselves which nation they wish to represent. "If a manager has to beg a player to choose Scotland, it probably isn’t the right fit for the player," Binks said, echoing the new coach’s stance that loyalty should be genuine rather than forced. The upcoming schedule sees Scotland competing in the Nations League Group B, with matches against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland.

Binks is among six newcomers handed their first full‑senior call‑ups, a clear signal that Pocognoli is reshaping the squad after a disappointing World Cup campaign that saw Scotland miss out on the knockout stage. The new‑look side will feature only three players from Clarke’s final World Cup roster – Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams – who are sidelined by injury. While the environment is fresh, Binks will find some familiar faces in the camp.

He recalled a previous experience with fellow defender Aaron Hickey, who was called up while the two were training in Bologna. "I was playing for the under‑21s at the time and nothing seemed to change, but Scotland has always been the team I wanted to represent," Binks said.

He reminisced about his time with the Scotland under‑16s, describing the atmosphere as "proper" and "like playing with mates" – a sentiment that fuels his desire to be part of the senior squad again. The Nations League campaign will kick off in Ljubljana on Saturday against Slovenia, followed by a home clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later.

The team then travels to Skopje for the North Macedonia fixture on October 3 before returning to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on October 6. Scotland were relegated to League B after a play‑off loss to Greece last year, and the new manager’s immediate goal is to secure promotion back to League A.

Binks acknowledged the challenges of a transition period, drawing parallels with his club situation where a new manager is still implementing his ideas. "It’s the same process here – getting everyone on board, buying into the manager’s vision, and building cohesion," he observed. "We have a lot of fresh faces and a new tactical approach, but the ambition is clear: we want to get back to the top tier of the Nations League." Beyond the tactical aspects, Binks emphasized the emotional connection he feels toward the Scottish cause.

"When I was a teenager traveling with the under‑16s, the vibe was amazing. It felt like a close‑knit group of lads, and that sense of belonging has stayed with me.

I’m eager to contribute and help the team succeed," he said. The full squad list, announced by the Scottish FA, includes a blend of seasoned internationals and promising youngsters. Goalkeepers such as Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes) and Liam Kelly (Rangers) will compete for the starting spot.

The defensive line features not only Binks but also Andy Robertson (Tottenham), Aaron Hickey (Brentford) and others, offering a mix of experience and youth. In midfield, players like Ryan Christie (Bournemouth) and Billy Gilmour (Napoli) are expected to drive the creative engine, while the attacking department boasts Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo) and Oli McBurnie (Hull City) among others.

Fans can follow the matches through various platforms, including Sky Sports’ streaming service, which offers a flexible personal video feed via the Sky Sports app. The schedule is as follows: Slovenia vs Scotland on 26 September (2 pm), Scotland vs Switzerland on 29 September (7.45 pm), North Macedonia vs Scotland on 3 October (7.45 pm), and a final showdown with Slovenia on 6 October (7.45 pm). Additional fixtures against North Macedonia and Switzerland are slated for November.

As Binks prepares for his debut, his message to supporters is simple: dedication, pride, and a deep-rooted love for Scotland will drive his performance on the pitch. He hopes to honour the nation’s footballing heritage and help usher in a new era of success for the national team.