Scotland begin their preparations for Euro 2024 in the Algarve when they take on European minnows Gibraltar on Monday night.
Steve Clarke’s side enjoyed an impressive qualifying campaign, beating Spain on the way as they advanced into this summer’s major tournament alongside La Furia Roja.
However, they’ve got their work cut out if they’re to improve on their dire Euro 2020 performance. Scotland have been drawn into a tough Group A alongside hosts Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.
Clarke will be hoping for a convincing victory on Monday against a Gibraltar side bereft of professionals and without a win since November 2022. Scotland’s upcoming opponents are ranked 203rd in the world.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Scotland’s upcoming friendly.
Gibraltar vs Scotland H2H record (All Games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Gibraltar |
Scotland |
|---|---|
|
Gibraltar 0-6 Netherlands – 21/11/23 |
Scotland 0-1 Northern Ireland – 26/03/24 |
|
France 14-0 Gibraltar – 18/11/23 |
Netherlands 4-0 Scotland – 22/03/24 |
|
Gibraltar 0-4 Ireland – 16/10/23 |
Scotland 3-3 Norway – 19/11/23 |
|
Wales 4-0 Gibraltar – 11/10/23 |
Georgia 2-2 Scotland – 16/11/23 |
|
Greece 5-0 Gibraltar – 10/09/23 |
Spain 2-0 Scotland – 12/10/23 |
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
Premier Sports Player, Premier Sports 1 |
|
United States |
Foxsports.com, FOX Sports App, Fox Sports 2 |
|
Canada |
DAZN |
Check out all the info on your 24-man 🇬🇮 MNT Squad for next week’s huge International Friendlies v @ScotlandNT 🏴 & @FAWales 🏴 at the Estadio Algarve 🔽 pic.twitter.com/JDwOGQJzce
— Gibraltar FA (@GibraltarFA) May 30, 2024
Scotland will be facing up against plenty of unfamiliar faces on Monday evening.
However, Manchester United youngster James Scanlon and the uncapped Liam Jessop of Chesterfield are two to keep an eye on.
Gibraltar predicted lineup vs Scotland (5-4-1): Coleling; Sergeant, Mouelhi, Chipolina, Olivero, Ronco; Walker, Britto, De Haro, Casciaro; De Barr.
Clarke will doubtlessly use the extremities of his 28-man squad on Monday, although the Scottish boss could name the starting XI he plans to use against Germany the following Friday. However, their preparations took a massive blow before the weekend when it emerged striker Lyndon Dykes had suffered a leg injury in training and would miss Euro 2024.
Ben Doak has struggled for injuries this season but has been included in Clarke’s squad. He and Ross McCrorie are the two uncapped players in Clarke’s squad.
Andy Robertson, John McGinn, Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie are among the Premier League stars who could feature against Gibraltar.
Scotland predicted lineup vs Gibraltar (3-4-2-1): Gunn; Hendry, Cooper, Tierney; McCroie, Gilmour, McTominay, Robertson; Christie, McGinn; Adams.
Scotland struggled in March but they’re taking on one of the world’s worst international sides on Monday.
While they do lack some attacking firepower which does the reduce the chances of the visitors running up the score, they should win with relative conviction.