Luis Binks, the Brøndby‑based centre‑back, has finally seen his long‑standing ambition realised: a senior debut for Scotland. The 25‑year‑old, who has previously represented both Scotland and England at under‑21 level, said he never needed any persuasion when new national team manager Sébastien Pocognoli invited him to join his inaugural squad. "I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years, and now the opportunity has come.
I’m just really proud," Binks told Sky Sports News, emphasizing that the decision felt natural rather than the result of a recruitment campaign. Pocognoli’s first selection includes six newcomers for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland. Binks, who captains Brøndby in Denmark, is among those fresh faces, while the squad also sees the return of familiar names such as Aaron Hickey, who Binks recalled sharing a dressing‑room with in Bologna a few seasons ago.
The manager has been clear that he will not actively chase dual‑nationality players, a stance Binks fully supports. "If a manager has to convince a player, it probably isn’t the right fit for the player," he explained, underscoring his belief that a genuine connection to the country should drive the choice. The defender’s path to the senior team has been marked by steady progress through the youth ranks. He previously featured for Scotland’s under‑16s, a period he describes as "the vibe was just so good" – a time when the squad felt like a close‑knit group of friends rather than a formal assembly.
Those early experiences left a lasting impression, reinforcing his desire to represent Scotland at the highest level. "It felt like a proper team, just normal lads and you felt like you were playing with your mates, so I knew there was always that feeling around it. I wanted to go and be a part of that again," Binks said. Scotland’s current project under Pocognoli is a significant overhaul.
Twelve members of Steve Clarke’s World Cup‑ending squad are absent, with only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams missing due to injury. This transition mirrors Binks’s own club situation, where he recently adapted to a new manager at Brøndby. "I know what it’s like because I’ve got a new manager at my club now and it’s taking a bit of time, so I imagine it’s the same sort of process here," he noted, drawing parallels between club and international adjustments.
The upcoming schedule will see Scotland begin their campaign in Ljubljana on Saturday, followed by a home clash with Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later. The team then travels to North Macedonia on 3 October before returning to Glasgow for a second meeting with Slovenia on 6 October.
After a disappointing play‑off loss to Greece that relegated Scotland from Nations League A, the side is eager to regain its place among Europe’s elite. "Obviously we want to get to the A group of the Nations League, but there are a lot of new faces, a lot of new management, new ways of playing," Binks added, highlighting the ambition that drives the revamped squad. Beyond the tactical overhaul, Binks stressed the importance of unity and belief.
"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. This collective mindset, he believes, will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges of the second tier and strives for promotion. The full squad list reflects a blend of domestic and overseas talent: Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Jon McCracken (Bradford City) Defenders: Luis Binks (Brøndby), Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Luke Graham (Stoke City), Jack Hendry (Al‑Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Torino), Andy Robertson (Tottenham), Stephen Welsh (Swansea City) Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers) Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon‑Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla), James Wilson (Hearts) For fans eager to follow the action, Sky Sports will broadcast the fixtures, and the network also offers a flexible streaming option via the Sky Sports app.
The upcoming matches are scheduled as follows: - Slovenia vs Scotland – 26 September, 14:00 - Scotland vs Switzerland – 29 September, 19:45 - North Macedonia vs Scotland – 3 October, 19:45 - Scotland vs Slovenia – 6 October, 19:45 - Scotland vs North Macedonia – 13 November, 19:45 - Switzerland vs Scotland – 16 November, 19:45 Binks’s story encapsulates the emotional pull of national identity in football. After years of representing youth sides for both nations, his heart ultimately aligned with Scotland, a decision he describes as instinctive and deeply personal.
As the new era under Pocognoli unfolds, players like Binks will be pivotal in shaping a refreshed, ambitious Scotland side ready to reclaim its place at the top of the Nations League hierarchy.