Scotland are a decent side and can build on their Euro 2020 performance, but they need a top-class, final-third resource
The inquest attached to Scotland failing to navigate the group stage at a major tournament is at least novel. For too long, grim analysis surrounded an inability to reach championships in the first place. Steve Clarke’s team bucked the trend before being swiftly reminded of unforgiving environments; including in respect of ferocious criticism. November’s national heroes are June’s dinosaur-led duds.
By the time the kind of petty and parochial rows that often define the Scottish domestic scene return – we are talking a month here – Euro 2020 will be long forgotten. That is a shame. Clarke’s side raised the spirits of a country when sealing qualification on a memorable evening in Serbia. Scotland regained an element of self-worth via its football team.
Related: Scotland’s Euro 2020 dreams dashed as Croatia and Modric turn on the style
Related: Steve Clarke vows Scotland will make quicker tournament return this time
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