Less than three weeks remain until Scotland open the 2024 European Championship against host nation Germany in Munich. Steve Clarke will be eager to start the tournament strongly against Julian Nagelsmann’s European superstars as the Scots seek progress from Group A.
Clarke’s starting line-up will generate huge interest as always, but he is not likely to deviate from a tried-and-trusted system using players with plenty experience. If Scotland can get a result against Germany, they will be in a strong position to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time in history. They would first need to negotiate two further group games against Switzerland and Hungary.
Pre-tournament friendly matches against Gibraltar and Finland will influence Clarke’s thoughts to some degree when it comes to his team against the Germans. Our predicted line-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation indicates how Scotland are likely to look in the Allianz Arena on 14 June:
5. RWB: Anthony Ralston
Firm favourite to deputise at wing-back with Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson both injured. Ross McCrorie and James Forrest are the other options. Ralston likely to be in direct opposition to Germany's talented forward Florian Wirtz. | SNS Group
6. CM: Billy Gilmour
Could be really important due to his ball retention ability. Scotland won't see an awful lot of the ball and will need to use it wisely when they have it. | SNS Group
7. CM: Callum McGregor
Another who will need to keep the ball well for Scotland. A certain starter given his experience of big games and ability to pass through lines. | SNS Group
8. LWB: Andy Robertson
The captain will be hugely influential. Used to massive occasions with club and country. Germany in Munich will be as big as any. | SNS Group