Scotland has announced its squad for the upcoming World Cup warm-up matches, featuring a mix of experienced internationals and promising new talents. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn and uncapped 19-year-old Findlay Curtis headline the selections as Steve Clarke prepares his side for crucial fixtures against Japan and the Ivory Coast. This squad will allow Clarke to assess his players ahead of the summer’s World Cup in Group C, where Scotland will face Haiti in their opening match.
Key Squad Selections and Returning Players
Angus Gunn, who featured as Scotland’s starting goalkeeper at Euro 2024 in Germany, makes a return despite limited playing time at Nottingham Forest this season. He replaces the injured Craig Gordon, who is sidelined at 43. In defence, Everton’s Nathan Patterson and Wrexham’s Dom Hyam are back in the squad following injuries to Brentford’s Aaron Hickey and Josh Doig. Grant Hanley retains his place despite missing over a month due to injury, reflecting Clarke’s trust in his experience.
Midfield sees the inclusion of Sparta Prague’s Andy Irving, as Ben Gannon Doak continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained last November against Denmark. Up front, Findlay Curtis earns his first senior call-up while on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers, and Tommy Conway of Middlesbrough returns to the fold. Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland misses out as he works on regaining full fitness.
Upcoming Warm-Up Matches
Scotland will host Japan at Hampden Park on March 28, marking their first match at the iconic stadium since securing World Cup qualification. Japan, the first team to qualify for the tournament, will provide a strong test for Clarke’s squad. Three days later, Scotland travels to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to face the Ivory Coast, who recently reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. These fixtures offer a critical opportunity for players to gain match sharpness and for Clarke to finalize his plans for the tournament.
Following these games, Scotland will play a farewell match against Curacao at Hampden Park on May 30 and will take part in an overseas friendly in the USA, ahead of their opening Group C clash against Haiti.
Optimism Ahead for World Cup Progress
Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith has expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to make history at the World Cup. A former 51-cap forward who joined Clarke’s coaching staff in 2021, Naismith believes this group has the experience and talent needed to move beyond the group stage for the first time.
“With the squad we have and the quality of players in their prime at big clubs, I feel very optimistic,” Naismith told Sky Sports News. “We have leaders who can guide the younger players, and this group has already made history by ending a 28-year wait for World Cup qualification. Now, the next step is to push through the group stage and reach the knockout rounds.”
He emphasized that while the games will be challenging and conditions demanding, the squad has the resilience and skill to rise to the occasion. Naismith is confident that the players have what it takes to create even more history for Scottish football this summer.
Scotland Squad in Full:
Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Etiffaq), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Ross McCrorie (Bristol City), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), Andy Irving (Sparta Prague), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lennon Miller (Udinese)
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich)
