Analysing Scotland’s remarkable Euro 2024 qualifying campaign so far

12.10.23 962

With three matches remaining, Scotland find themselves six points clear of Spain in Group A. Can Steve Clarke’s men maintain their 100% record in Euro 2024 qualifying?

When Scotland were drawn alongside Spain, Norway, Georgia and Cyprus in Group A, many believed that Clarke’s side would fail to qualify for Euro 2024.

Spain entered the group as clear favourites, while Erling Haaland’s Norway were expected to finish as runners-up. However, Scotland had other ideas.

The Scots kicked off their campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over Cyprus at Hampden Park, thanks largely to a brace from Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

On Matchday 2, Scotland claimed a memorable 2-0 win against Spain, with McTominay netting another double. Despite seeing just 25% of the ball, Clarke’s men managed to get the better of La Roja.

In June, the Scots secured back-to-back victories over Norway and Georgia, triumphing 2-1 in Oslo before winning 2-0 on home soil. Believe it or not, McTominay scored once again in the victory over Georgia.

During last month’s international break, Scotland maintained their 100% record with a 3-0 win against Cyprus, with McTominay opening the scoring. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s John McGinn put his name on the scoresheet.

McTominay has played a pivotal role in Scotland’s winning streak, racking up six goals and one assist in five qualifiers. As a result, only Romelu Lukaku and Bruno Fernandes have contributed more goal involvements.

McGinn has also played a key role, chipping in with two goals and one assist, while Lyndon Dykes has registered one goal and two assists.

Consequently, Scotland have taken 15 points from a possible 15 in Group A, scoring 12 goals while conceding just once. Only six teams have scored more goals in Euro 2024 qualifying, while only France and Portugal have conceded fewer.

Scotland’s success should come as no surprise, though, as Clarke’s squad full of Premier League stars, with many players representing some of the biggest clubs in England.

In addition to McTominay and McGinn, Clarke can call upon Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, Brighton’s Billy Gilmour, Nottingham Forest’s Scott McKenna, Brentford’s Aaron Hickey and Everton’s Nathan Patterson.

On Thursday, the Scots face the biggest test of their qualifying campaign, as they travel to Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja to take on Spain. Still, Clarke’s side will remain three points clear atop Group A even if they lose.

Having taken maximum points from their opening five matches – conceding a solitary goal in the process – it is only a matter of time before Scotland punch their ticket to next summer’s European Championship.