Scotland Men's Football Team

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  1. Quick starters Hungary ease to win as Swiss draw published at 19:16 8 June

    Barnabas Varga Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Barnabas Varga's double took his tally to 29 goals in 40 Hungary appearances

    Hungary were in fine form in Debrecen and Switzerland fought back to draw as Scotland's Euro 2024 opponents ended their warm-up preparations.

    Having lost to a last-minute goal in Ireland last time out, Hungary started brilliantly, albeit against under-strength Israeli visitors, and were 3-0 up to all but settle the game as a contest within 22 minutes.

    Barnabas Varga rattled the bar with a spectacular scissor kick before the Ferencváros striker nodded a Bendeguez Bolla cross into the path of Freiburg winger Roland Sallai to slot home.

    Midfielder Bolla, who had missed the defeat in Dublin after arriving late from club commitments with Servette, laid the second on a plate for Varga before Sallai returned the earlier favour by setting up Varga for his own second.

    The only negative for Hungary was an injury to Callum Styles that led to the Sunderland midfielder being replaced just before the break.

    Another late arrival to the squad, Philadelphia Union midfielder Dániel Gazdag, came on at half-time along with Attila Fiola on the Fehérvár defender's return from injury.

    Head coach Marco Rossi was satisfied by the overall performance but expressed disappointment at the second-half drop off after Sallai and Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai were replaced and suggested improvements were needed.

    Meanwhile, in St Gallen, Switzerland found themselves behind after just five minutes when Austria capitalised on loose possession and RB Leipzig midfielder Christoph Baumgartner ran through from deep inside his own half to side-foot past goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who started in one of four changes from the side that beat Estonia 4-0.

    However, Silvan Widmer got Murat Yakin's side back on level terms just over 20 minutes later in an otherwise uneventful affair as goalkeeper Heinz Lindner spilled Ruben Vargas' angled shot straight into the path of the Mainz right-back to tap in.

    Yakin, who had dropped Andi Zeqiri from his provisional squad but put the Genk striker on stand-by, was also forced into an early change when Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Steven Zuber went off injured three minutes before the break.

    Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka said the Swiss, after the early concession, had not dominated a half as much for some time, but he and his team-mates were less satisfied with the second 45.

    Hungary and Switzerland meet in Cologne the day after Scotland open the tournament against hosts Germany.

  2. Scotland may lack 'confidence' at back ahead of Euros - Miller published at 17:43 8 June

    Grant HanleyImage source, SNS

    Scotland's recent defensive woes are a "big issue" ahead of next week's Euros kick-off, says former international Willie Miller.

    Steve Clarke's side have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine outings, coming on Monday against minnows Gibraltar.

    While Scotland's torrid record in friendlies plays a part, Miller worries a lack of confidence could hamper the backline in Germany.

    "Grant Hanley hasn't played a lot of games. He looked a little bit rusty to me," he told BBC Sportsound.

    "Ryan Porteous will be disappointed, he hasn't had the opportunity to start in the last couple of games.

    "I think Clarke likes Hanley and feels, in the competitive games coming up, he'll be sitting in there and defending on the edge of the box. He's the type of centre half that will win things and be that physical presence.

    "We keep losing goals, that's a big issue at international level.

    "When you go to a major tournament, you want to have confidence at the back, feeling good about the understanding there."

  3. Dykes sees 'different side' to Clarke published at 15:07 8 June

    Steve Clarke and Lyndon Dykes Image source, SNS

    Injured Scotland forward Lyndon Dykes says Steve Clarke isn't shy in joining in with squad mischief, but knows when to return to a more serious demeanour.

    The Scotland boss often keeps his cards close to his chest in post-match interviews and has been characterised as stern by some onlookers.

    But the QPR striker, who will miss Euro 2024 after suffering an ankle injury, told BBC Radio Scotland there's more than one side to Clarke.

    "I know a different side to him," Dykes said.

    "I might not have known him as long as other people, but I feel like we got on really well early doors.

    "We had a great chat on the phone when he wanted me to come to Scotland. He was just being himself, like everyone sees on camera. He was very blunt and I like that. I liked him.

    "I think we're a bit alike in some ways. Once he's comfortable in the camp he does crack a smile, I know a lot of the pundits probably don't think he does."

    He added: "He's a very joking character when he needs to be. His man management is very good because he know when to give us a joke and a bit of a laugh, as well as golf and games.

    "He's the first one in with us jumping around, but when it's serious he brings back that side of him that we need."

  4. Scotland 'buzzing' ahead of Euros - Shankland published at 13:25 8 June

    Lawrence Shankland Image source, SNS

    Lawrence Shankland says the Scotland camp is buzzing as they finished their Euro 2024 preparations before jetting off to Germany.

    The Hearts captain notched his third international cool with a close-range header in a 2-2 draw with Finland at Hampden on Friday.

    After being maligned by some sections of the support in recent Scotland outings, Shankland is staying positive and looking ahead to next week's kick-off against the host national.

    "It's great, it's always nice to get goals for your country, so it was a really nice feeling," he told BBC Scotland.

    "First and foremost, you want to come through the game fit and send us in a strong way to Germany.

    "The place is buzzing and so it should be, we all want to go to the tournament and enjoy it.

    "For large parts we controlled the game. We did enough to win it, and everyone came through the game fit."

  5. Scotland in 'fine fettle' or displaying 'needless vanity'? published at 12:06 8 June

    Your Views

    We asked for your thoughts as Scotland ended their Euro 2024 preparations with a 2-2 draw at home to Finland.

    Here's a taste of what you had to say:

    John: Substitutions hampered the fluidity of the game. I understand why they were made, but they cost us a win. Billy Gilmour was the heartbeat of the team and I'm sure Scott McTominay. Unfortunately, Callum McGregor will be on the bench. Not convinced by Lawrence Shankland. Che Adams will lead the line next week.

    Kuptin: Central defence looked iffy all night. No way was that a penalty - Craig Gordon clearly got to the ball first and punched it off the guy’s head. Bonkers decision.

    Iain: The last two friendlies have just a tune up before the Euros, so not to much to read into. The main thing is to progress past the group stage and anything beyond that will be a bonus and will show how much Scotland have progressed.

    Paul: The goals showed we can score. They weren't the best opposition in the world either but Finland aren't a bad side. I feel terrible for Gordon on what should be and likely will be his last cap for Scotland.

    Ian: Overall, it was a decent performance. The one time over the last two games they actually gave Shankland some decent service, he scored. Lack of concentration cost us the win. Don't think it was a penalty as Gordon got the ball first.

    Jim: They looked in fine fettle until the ref gave a ridiculous penalty which never was. Plenty of positives on show and can't wait till it all kicks off. Unfortunately will be watching from the armchair.

    Craig: Gordon’s cameo was needless vanity, and cost us the win. Steve Clarke will need to be wiser and more ruthless in Germany.

    Richard: Scotland do terrible in friendlies, but excellent in competitive games. If that trend continues, Germany will be in for a heck of an opening game.

  6. Roberston breaks record as most capped male captainpublished at 11:13 8 June

    Andy RobertsonImage source, SNS

    Another piece of Scotland history for Andy Robertson.

    The Liverpool left-back became the men's national team most capped captain on Friday night, wearing the armband for the 49th time in a 2-2 draw with Finland.

    Former Rangers defender George Young, whose caps came between 1946-1957, previously held the record.

    Robertson marked the occasion in style, with his cross forcing Finland's own goal, before picking out his old Queen's Park team-mate Lawrence Shankland for the second.

  7. Conway makes grandad proud on Scotland debut published at 10:42 8 June

    Tommy ConwayImage source, SNS

    Tommy Conway says his grandfather will be looking down on him with pride after making his senior Scotland debut.

    Drafted into the squad to ease an injury pile-up, the Bristol City striker was introduced off the bench in Friday's 2-2 draw at Hampden Park.

    The 21-year-old had the opportunity to grab a late winner, but says he's saving his goals for the Euros while trying to comprehend his first bow on the international stage.

    "It's surreal, it hasn't really sunk in yet," Conway told BBC Scotland.

    "I know my Grandad will be looking down proud. My family are here as well, so a really proud day.

    "Scott McTominay was asking my why I hadn't scored, but I said I'm saving them for next week.

    "I'll be ready when called upon. To be going there is a big honour and when I get the opportunity I'm going to take it with both hands."

  8. Scotland 2-2 Finland: Key stats published at 10:18 8 June

    Ryan Christie Image source, SNS
    • Scotland are now winless in four consecutive games at Hampden (D2 L2). It's their longest run without a home victory across all competitions since November 2008 (five games - D3 L2).

    • After losing six of their first seven games against Scotland between 1954 and 1995 (D1), Finland have avoided defeat in each of their last two (1-1 in 1998 and 2-2 in 2024).

    • Scotland haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last four games at Hampden, their longest such run under Steve Clarke. They’ve only managed a shutout in one of their last nine matches (2-0 v Gibraltar).

    • Three of Scotland's last six goals scored at Hampden have been own goals (Harry Maguire for England, Leo Ostigard for Norway and Arttu Hoskonen for Finland).

    • Lawrence Shankland has scored in both of his starts for Scotland at Hampden, with those two games coming four years and 238 days apart (v San Marino in October 2019 and Finland in June 2024).

    • Craig Gordon won his 75th cap for Scotland, becoming just the sixth player to reach this milestone, after Kenny Dalglish, Jim Leighton, Darren Fletcher, Alex McLeish and Paul McStay.

  9. Tierney 'would love' Celtic return - gossippublished at 09:33 8 June

    Scotland defender Kieran TierneyImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Kieran Tierney left Celtic for Arsenal in 2019

    Scotland and Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney, 27, would "love" to return to former club Celtic and the Gunners are set to listen to offers over the summer. (Football Insider), external

    Debutant Tommy Conway admits he will have nightmares about the late chance he missed in Scotland's 2-2 draw with Finland. (Scotsman - subscription), external

    Scotland Under-21 head coach Scot Gemmill admits there are no excuses for Friday's 5-0 defeat by Austria. (Herald - subscription), external

    Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

  10. Germany prepare for Scotland clash with win over Greecepublished at 23:00 7 June

    Pascal Gross scores Germany's winnerImage source, Getty Images

    Germany wrapped up their preparations for Euro 2024 in unconvincing fashion despite beating Greece 2-1 in Monchengladbach.

    Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross' 89th-minute goal saw Julian Nagelsmann's side come from behind after a lacklustre display.

    Arsenal forward Kai Havertz equalised after Giorgos Masouras' first-half opener.

    It was far from the ideal build-up for the tournament hosts, who open the European Championship against Scotland next Friday in Munich.

    The late win comes four days after they played out a 0-0 draw with Ukraine.

  11. Scotland 2-2 Finland: Have your saypublished at 22:36 7 June

    Have your say

    Next stop Germany, Scotland fans how are you feeling?

    Lawrence Shankland managed to get himself on the scoresheet in the 2-2 draw with Finland but will Steve Clarke give him the nod over Che Adams in Munich next week?

    What did you make of Scotland's overall performance? Are you worried about the defensive issues? Are you happy with how things look at the top of the pitch?

    Give us your thoughts here, external.

  12. Gordon becomes Scotland's oldest ever internationalpublished at 22:33 7 June

    Craig Gordon applauds Scotland fansImage source, SNS

    Craig Gordon became Scotland's oldest ever international when he won his 75th cap against Finland on Friday.

    The 41-year-old came on as a second-half substitute at Hampden Park, replacing Angus Gunn, and beats the record previously held by David Weir.

    Gordon made his Scotland debut over 20 years ago in a 4-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago at Easter Road.

    The Hearts keeper is not going to this summer's Euros in Germany, having not made Steve Clarke's final 26-man squad for the tournament.

  13. Scotland 2-2 Finland: What the manager saidpublished at 22:31 7 June

    Scotland boss Steve ClarkeImage source, SNS

    Scotland manager Steve Clarke: "It was good, a little bit disappointing towards the end.

    "The game gets a little bit disjointed when you make subs. It's no reflection of the boys on the pitch, you just lose a little bit of concentration. Up until then I though we controlled the game.

    "To get to that stage of the game was good, we defended well, Angus didn't have too much to do. Eventually the two goals came so it was good.

    "We are a good team, we've proved that over the last couple of years. We're looking forward to the tournament now."

  14. Scotland 2-2 Finland: Who impressed?published at 22:10 7 June

    Lawrence Shankland celebratesImage source, SNS

    That goal felt like a weight off Lawrence Shankland's shoulders. Will he get the chance to repeat the trick in Munich?