Gary Keown: Clarke Still Won't Front Up over Scotland’s Shameful Euros

A Flawed Approach

Scotland's dismal performance at the Euros this summer has left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans. Manager Steve Clarke has come under fire for his tactics and team selection, and many are questioning his ability to lead the national team forward.

Clarke's decision to field a team with an average age of over 30 was widely criticized, as was his reluctance to give younger players a chance. His insistence on playing a cautious, defensive style of football also drew criticism, as it stifled Scotland's attacking potential.

The result was a group stage exit, with Scotland finishing bottom of their group with just one point from three games. It was a humiliating end to a campaign that had started with so much promise.

Defensive Approach

One of the most striking things about Scotland's performance at the Euros was their defensive approach. Clarke's team sat deep and invited pressure from their opponents, hoping to hit them on the counter-attack.

However, this tactic proved to be ineffective. Scotland's defense was repeatedly breached by more attack-minded teams, and they failed to create enough chances at the other end to trouble their opponents.

Clarke's decision to play such a defensive style of football was widely criticized. Many felt that it was too negative and that it stifled Scotland's attacking potential.

Lack of Attacking Threat

Another major problem for Scotland at the Euros was their lack of attacking threat. The team struggled to create chances and score goals, and they often looked toothless in the final third.

This was due in part to Clarke's cautious tactics, but it was also due to the poor form of some of Scotland's key players. Striker Lyndon Dykes struggled to find the net, and winger Ryan Christie was well below his best.

Scotland's lack of attacking threat was a major factor in their failure to progress from the group stage. They were simply unable to score enough goals to compete with their opponents.

Clarke Under Pressure

The Scotland manager is now under intense pressure to turn things around. The national team has not won a competitive match in over two years, and their performance at the Euros was a major disappointment.

Clarke has promised to make changes ahead of the next international break, but it remains to be seen whether he can turn things around. The Scotland manager is facing the biggest challenge of his career.

Looking Ahead

Scotland's next competitive match is a Nations League clash against Ukraine in September. It will be a tough test for Clarke's team, but it is also an opportunity for them to show that they have learned from their mistakes.

If Scotland can beat Ukraine, it will give them a much-needed confidence boost. The team will then have a chance to secure promotion from League B of the Nations League when they face the Czech Republic in November.

The Nations League is not the most glamorous tournament, but it is an important one for Scotland. Success in the competition will give them a chance to improve their FIFA ranking and seedings for future tournaments.