Scotland Men's Football Team

Excitement is building for the Switzerland game as the Tartan Army gather in numbers outside Cologne Cathedral.

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Scotland's players have "drawn a line" under the Germany defeat and are ready to reward the Tartan Army against Switzerland, insists skipper Andy Robertson.

"Friday night was hugely disappointing - we took our time to get over that, whatever emotions we were feeling," Robertson told BBC Sport.

"We had a meeting on what we could have done differently - which was pretty much everything - and then we drew a line under it and thought 'OK, let's move forward from it'.

"I just said if you're disappointed at your own performance, at the team performance, at whatever happened, then it's behind us now and we have to move forward.

"It's just about giving belief to the lads. We're a good team when we want to be but we need to show it on the biggest stage. We didn't do that on Friday but we've got another chance."

The bruising 5-1 loss against Germany may have significantly dented hopes of escaping the group stage for the first time, but Robertson is looking to his team-mates to step up against the Swiss.

"The message is to play with confidence and play together," he said.

"We were maybe not as together on Friday as we needed to be, conceding five goals shows we weren't exactly in the right places. We have to be a lot better in every aspect of the game.

"We are focused on our performance levels - everyone on that pitch thinks they can improve on certain things they did and that's a good starting block.

"The support we had on Friday was unbelievable and I believe the support we'll have [against Switzerland] will be pretty special as well. We have to give them something to be excited about."

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BBC Scotland gave supporters the opportunity to ask former winger Neil McCann his thoughts on how Clarke's side can reverse the mistakes they made against Germany

Here are some of his replies:

Andy: We clearly got our distances wrong on Friday night. Adams was isolated and you could drive a bus between the midfield and defence. Would you tweak the system or is it horses for courses?

"I wouldn't tweak the system. We were virtually a 5-4-1 out of possession but you're right, the biggest problem for me was the area around the centre-backs which Ilkay Gundogan kept on finding."

Jake: What are your thoughts on Grant Hanley? Is he up to international standards or could we see him struggle like Porteous on Friday if he starts?

"I would have started Grant Hanley. He's maybe not got enough minutes under his belt, which is why he didn't start, but I would start him."

Anon: Do you think we should change goalkeepers? Not saying it was Angus Gunn's fault but letting five goals in isn't good for confidence.

"It’s not good for confidence. I would probably put a big portion of blame on Angus for the first, third and fifth goals. That being said, there weren't many pass marks in the team.

"I think it would be unfair - we're already going to change one of the back five, there's an argument we may change the right side too, so I would keep the goalkeeper."

Neil: Scotland seemed to give Kroos and Rudiger all the time in the world to pick their passes. Surely we should have man-marked Kroos and pressed Rudiger quicker and more aggressively. Why do you think Steve Clarke abandoned his pressing game for Germany of all teams?

"You can't press and keep a high line. If you go and press aggressively and don't get it right, you get absolutely hammered. We always felt they were going to sit deep - it didn't work.

"The problem is Germany played with a back four, which almost became a back two, and when Kroos dropped in it meant their spare man was always in through the middle. I don't think we were ever equipped to go and press them like that."

Kev: Do you think one of those talented central midfielders that we have needs to step up and be a creative force? They are all good footballers but they are also all similar, they would all rather play those short 10-yard easy passes. We need them to start trying to play the defence-splitting pass and not fear giving away possession.

"I'm actually not sure that McTominay, McGinn or McGregor are that type of player. I would play McTominay and McGinn ahead of Gilmour and McGregor in almost a box formation and just unleash them, let them run beyond, that's their strength."

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Former Swiss international Bruno Berner also believes manager Murat Yakin will be expecting a tougher test from Scotland than the Germany result may have indicated.

"We expect energy from Scotland," he told BBC Sport. "We expect changes, with Billy Gilmour coming in, we expect him to play from the start. What a talent he is.

"So for us it’s really to get back into that next game as we started against Hungary. The expectation has to be that Scotland will come out and try to hurt us so I think Switzerland will be ready for tonight."

Switzerland’s track record of qualification has been much more impressive than Scotland’s of late, having not missed a tournament since failing to reacch Euro 2012 – which has increased the pressure on the side, says former Leicester defender Berner.

"There were a lot of questions about where we are as a team," he said. "When we qualified just before before Christmas, the reaction was like it wasn't good enough.

"We're Switzerland, we qualified for a major tournament again, we should be very, very happy. Yes, we have fantastic players nowadays. But hey, it's all about being qualified for the next tournament.

"Many people were proven wrong last Saturday against Hungary, luckily, and we really showed a very good performance.”

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Last time Scotland faced Switzerland at a European Championship, it was in 1996 - and a crucial group decider at Villa Park.

Scotland secured a 1-0 win that night courtesy of an Ally McCoist wonder strike - but it would prove to be in vain after England dropped a goal to Holland in their 4-1 win at Wembley, condemning Craig Brown's side to another goal-difference tournament exit.

And as former Scotland midfielder Stuart McCall recalled, the Swiss showdown was a full-on game for both sides.

"That was a great game of football," he told the Sacked In The Morning podcast. "It was end to end because Switzerland needed to win.

"Coisty had two sitters. And then he scores one from 25 yards. England get to 3-0 and you're up the park because we need a goal and then we hear it's 4-0 and you're back.

"I went over to take a throw-in, and the guy's face was tartan all over. He went, 'Holland have scored, we need another goal'.

"It was a wonderful game and people said, 'England let you down'. No, I would expect England to win 4-1 anyway. So we're nothing to do with England, we needed another goal and again it was another glorious failure."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds as Colin Hendry & Stuart McCall recall 2006

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Scotland boss Steve Clarke says he wants his side to do their talking on the park against Switzerland amid the noise surrounding the bruising 5-1 loss to Germany.

The post-mortem following the opening game defeat has continued to dominate discussions around Scotland since the weekend, but Clarke says his side are focused on tonight's match instead.

"The objective is clear but the opponent is difficult," he told BBC Sport.

"We didn't start well so we've got a lot to prove. I think we're better this time not to speak too much and to put the action in on the pitch."

Switzerland, fresh from their 3-1 win over Hungary, will prove a different challenge to Scotland than the Germans opening the tournament in front of their own support - but Clarke still expects a formidable test.

"They're a difficult opponent, strong in the centre of the park," he said.

"I think collectively they're strong, they've a good base up front. we're going to have to defend well, certainly better than we did the other night."

With much speculation around who should start against Switzerland, the head coach admitted change would be coming - but emphasised his players are keen to show Friday's loss was a one-off.

"I think you always look, second game into a three-game tournament, there can be one or two changes," he added.

"But all the boys who played the other night are desperate to go out and make amends. Ryan Porteous is suspended so he won't play - so there's at least one change."

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Former Scotland midfielder John Collins believes Steve Clarke’s side need to show "the shackles are off" when they face Switzerland in tonight’s crucial Group A match.

Collins was a key part of the Scotland team that played at the 1998 World Cup in France which, like Clarke’s side, lost the opening game of the tournament against the hosts.

And after last Friday’s bruising 5-1 loss to Germany, the former Monaco and Celtic player thinks Scotland need a much more energetic performance against the Swiss.

"We were very cautious and subdued in the first game," he told BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland.

"Now we’ve just got to go for it, the shackles are off, it’s all or nothing. We’ve got to try and win the game, and if we get a draw out of it then we go to the last game and we can still qualify. So I think the mindset will be ‘let’s go for it’."

However, in the wake of Ryan Porteous's red card against Germany - which will rule the Watford defender out of Scotland's remaining group games - Collins urged the players to watch their step when pressing their opponents.

"We have to be more aggressive - but we have to be careful with that word as well. In modern-day football, rules have changed, mistimed tackles are a red card and we don’t what that. We want 11 players on the pitch.

"It’s got to be controlled aggression."

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Andy Robertson was quick to dismiss outside criticism in the wake of their 5-1 defeat to Germany.

The Scotland captain accepts only a much-improved performance will do against Switzerland, but backed the Scots to deliver and keep their hopes of progression to the knock-out stages alive.

"I could talk all night, it won't make a difference," the Liverpool defender said. "It's easy to talk about a game of football, but it's not as easy to go out and do it.

"We need action, although we talked after the game. A lot of people outside couldn't wait to dip in. That's fine, they get paid for that and we respect that.

"But we have to act and do a lot better on the pitch. We need to be confident we can perform to our highest level and if we do that, we can cause any teams problems."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland manager Steve Clarke spoke to the media before his side's crucial Euros clash against Switzerland in Cologne on Wednesday.

Here were the key points from his press conference:

• He told me to expect "at least one change", with a smile on his face. We all know Ryan Porteous is banned for two matches. But the answer suggests there might be more. Billy Gilmour to start, anyone?

• The other main message from the Scotland boss was a simple one: "We have to go again. It’s as simple as that." He means there’s no point in looking back to the wreckage of the Germany game. It’s all about the Swiss now.

• On tomorrow’s opponents, he says he expects a tough game. "They’re a good side."

• Clarke believes the response from his players in training and in the debriefs has been good but that now it’s time to deliver.

• And the good news? "Everyone is fit."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Cologne

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Switzerland manager Murat Yakin and defender Manuel Akanji both expect a very different Scotland side to the one which was mauled 5-1 by Germany in Munich on Friday.

Both spoke about the excellent qualifying campaign Scotland had, with them describing the marquee wins over Spain at Hampden and Norway in Olso as "the real Scotland". Both feel Scotland froze on opening night and won’t do the same again in Cologne on Wednesday.

Akanji in particular was quite expansive on the dangers Scotland can pose, and the players who’ve impressed him in particular in games he’s played against them recently.

He spoke of the "great seasons" both John McGinn and Scott McTominay have had for Aston Villa and Manchester United respectively, while acknowledging the threat posed by Andy Robertson as an attacking force down the left side.

His manager Yakin was keen to praise the German performance the other day, and to downplay any feeling that Scotland under-performed.

"The pressure was very high for Germany," he said. "They played very well, they were very concentrated.

"Not only did they score five goals, they played well with and without the ball and this was the key."

And just in case anyone is in any doubt about the dangers Switzerland will pose Scotland tomorrow night, look at the spine of their team.

Goalkeeper Yann Sommer has just won Serie A with Inter; Akanji helped Manchester City to a fourth consecutive Premier League title, and captain Granit Xhaka has just played a pivotal role as Bayer Leverkusen won the Bundesliga undefeated. I’ve not even mentioned one of the stand-out players from their opening day 3-1 defeat of Hungary, Michel Aebischer.

Scotland have a lot on their plate against the Swiss in what is surely a 'must not lose' game.

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• This will be the second meeting between Scotland and Switzerland at a major tournament – Scotland won 1-0 in the group stages at Euro 1996, thanks to a goal from Ally McCoist. In fact, that is Scotland’s only win in their last five matches against Switzerland in all competitions (D2 L2).

• The sides last met in March 2006, the Swiss winning a friendly 3-1 at Hampden.

• Scotland’s 5-1 defeat to Germany on Friday was their second-heaviest ever at a major tournament, after their 7-0 loss to Uruguay at the 1954 World Cup.

• Switzerland have only lost two of their last 14 tournament group games, winning seven and drawing five.

• Scotland have won six of their 33 major tournaments games, a win rate of 18%. Among European nations with 25+ matches played at such tournaments, only Bulgaria (13% - 4/32) have a poorer win ratio.

• Switzerland have scored three or more goals in three of their last four Euros matches.

• Scotland recorded just one shot against Germany. It was their fewest number in any international since a friendly against Italy in May 2016 (also one shot).

• John McGinn has appeared in each of Scotland’s last 31 games. It’s the longest run since Tom Boyd played 38 in a row from August 1995 to June 1999. Under Steve Clarke, no player has made more appearances (53), scored more goals (18) or provided more assists (nine) than McGinn.

• Breel Embolo has scored in each of the last three major international tournaments.

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BBC Scotland gave supporters the opportunity to ask former winger Neil McCann his thoughts on how Clarke's side should shape up against Switzerland on Wednesday in Cologne.

Here are some of his replies:

Fraser: Would you consider Kenny McLean at centre-back given he has been playing there for Norwich? He appears far better on the ball than the others we have there.

"No, straight no. The three centre-backs I would go with are Jack Hendry on the right, Grant Hanley in the middle and Kieran Tierney on the left."

Brian: For the Switzerland game, do you think Gilmour and Shankland will play? I think they should - we need creative and tenacious players like Gilmour and an out-and-out goalscorer like Shankland to be there, to give us a chance of the win.

"I would play both. I understand Gilmour missing out against Germany in favour of Christie. I actually chose that myself, but I think we missed his bravery to get on the ball.

"His willingness and composure to stay on the ball under pressure is something we'll need to allow John McGinn and Scott McTominay to get in contact with Shankland. I feel a bit for Che Adams because of how tough the Germany game was, no support and no service, but I would start with Shankland up top."

Scott: Do you think Friday night's performance (or lack of) reminded us of the dark days of Bertie Vogts and was nowhere near a representation of just how far we have advanced? How does the manager pick the players up after that and would dropping John McGinn be a good idea?

"No, nowhere near the dark days. The performance was very poor, individually and collectively. Although the run of results that we've been on is very poor, I still believe we can recapture the form which saw us storm the group and qualify.

"The problem is we're missing two big players in Lyndon Dykes and Aaron Hickey and I don't think we're a nation that can afford to miss two important players and it not have an impact. Dropping John McGinn is not a move I would entertain at the moment."

Anon: Is it not time to be bold and start Tommy Conway up front? He looked a breath of fresh air when he came on against Finland. He's quick and with his strength could play the Dykes role well.

"He's not as physical as Dykes - no-one we have can play that Dykes role as well. Conway has done well for his club this season, but I don't think he’s ready for a starting position."

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Lawrence Shankland sat down with the Scotland media team, external to discuss the fallout from Munich, facing Switzerland and his journey to the Euros.

Here's what the Hearts striker had to say:

On the painful defeat to Germany: "We got that initial hurt after the game, but you need to very quickly get over it. The past couple of days have been spent analysing what went wrong and trying to make things better.

"There are a lot of good characters in the changing room, you've seen that past couple of days when people have been lifting each other. We’ll move on positively."

What it means to be at the Euros and inspiring others: "It's great. It's the stuff you dream of as a kid growing up. I'm delighted to be here and hopefully we can finish the group positively.

"Hopefully [my journey] inspires a few along the way. In football everyone has their journey. Some are really successful, some are up and down. I wouldn't change much about mine, it’s been great. When you get moments like this it makes all the hard work worth it."

On facing Switzerland: "We watched the game the other day. Every game is different, but we'll analyse it and see how we can get at them.

"The scenario is the same. At the start of the group we knew we'd need four points to guarantee qualification, that's still possible. That's the important thing and that's what everyone is focussing on."

On the travelling support: "We know they're out here for a good time regardless. They were there in their numbers the other night and would’ve left disappointed, as we were. We know the backing is there for us. Hopefully we can win the game for them."

On what needs to change on Wednesday: "Just win. Plain and simple. That’s the case in tournament football."

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Scotland defender Ryan Porteous "really has to look at how he wants to be perceived" as a footballer, says Leanne Crichton.

The Watford centre-back was sent off in the Scots' chastening 5-1 Euro 2024 defeat to hosts Germany on Friday and will miss the final two group games.

The 25-year-old's red card, for an ugly lunge on Ilkay Gundogan, was upgraded to a two-match ban by Uefa for "serious rough play".

Porteous' ability as a centre-back has rarely been questioned, but his discipline was often his downfall at Hibernian, where he was booked on 36 occasions and sent off four times.

Crichton says his move to Watford last year was a chance for him to "tidy up his image" after leaving Scotland with a "hot-headed" reputation.

Now the BBC pundit feels the defender will have to regain the trust of head coach Steve Clarke.

"Yes it can be seen as a one-off, but in his career it hasn’t been a one-off," Crichton told the Scottish Football Podcast.

"It’s something he’s going to struggle to deal with and it will constantly haunt him, or he’s going to have to really look at how he wants to be perceived.

"Is he a top-level footballer that can be trusted in the big games? That’s the question he will need to answer.

"I felt at the time he left Hibs for Watford, it was an opportunity for him to go and tidy up his image.

"The reputation he had in Scotland was he was hot-headed, reactive, overaggressive at points, too caught up in certain moments in the heat of the battle.

"As far as I’m aware, his image has been a lot cleaner in terms of his conduct on the pitch at Watford.

"I felt there was a level of trust there, he’s going to need to rebuild that again with supporters and the manager."