Scotland Men's Football Team

Sean McGill
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

You don't need numbers to tell you Scotland were rotten at the Euros. We all saw it.

But a dig into the statistics can help to show where it all went wrong for Steve Clarke's side in Germany.

The main - and very apparent issue - was Scotland's lack of cutting edge in all three encounters in the tournament.

Their 17 shots are the joint fewest since groups were introduced at the Euros in 1990, a paltry total matched only by Northern Ireland in 2016, who advanced to the knockouts that year with three points.

Registering an xG of 0.95 is another low in this year's tournament, as is a passing accuracy of just 57.9% in the final third. When Scotland did make a rare foray forward the absence of quality was glaring.

Where else scuppered Scots?

As some teams in this tournament have shown, a goal-shy side can still progress out of the groups if there's a steely defence at the back.

After the mauling in Munich by hosts Germany, the backline improved against Switzerland and Hungary... but they could hardly have played worse.

Scotland conceded an xG of 4.5 in their three outings, though had to pick the ball out the back of the net on seven occasions.

Despite keeping his side in the tournament at points in the Hungary decider, Angus Gunn's differential between goals conceded and the xG of the shots on target he faced of 1.52 is the worst of any goalkeeper in the tournament. Simply put, he should have kept more out.

Clarke drew the ire of some fans for a perceived hesitance to make subs. He used 18 players - the second fewest players of any coach at the tournament - while naming the fifth-oldest team based on the average age across the three starting line-ups.

Could Scotland have lived a different story with a bit more youth and energy?

Is there a silver lining?

Beyond the immense display of the wonderful Tartan Army, the positives to take from our German jaunt are scarce.

However, the numbers show that Jack Hendry wasn't scared to get stuck in against some high-quality opposition.

The 29-year-old was in the top 20 players for duels at the tournament, coming in at joint third for duels attempted with 23. Hendry won 69.6% of those, ranking at 18th.

Higher up the park, only Georgia's Giorgi Kochorashvili accrued more pressures applied than Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, who ran himself ragged off the back of an injury lay-off.

He may have applied pressure on the pitch, but Scotland's dismal showings this summer means there's now increased pressure off it for Clarke and his players.

Image source, SNS

Former Scotland captain Charlie Mulgrew doubts whether Steve Clarke will change the national team's style of play despite a dismal Euro 2024 campaign.

Clarke's side exited at the group stage with just one point and three shots on target - a competition low.

But Mulgrew, who racked up 44 caps for Scotland, believes there is still gratitude to be shown after reaching the major tournament.

“I think firstly we need to be thankful for Steve Clarke and the players and everybody involved with Scotland for getting us to two tournaments," he said.

"We’ve not been there in 25 years and we’ve been in the last two Euros, which is brilliant. So we can’t lose sight of that.

“But then once you get there, naturally you want to compete and we’ve not competed. That’s the most disappointing thing."

However, Mulgrew doesn't anticipate a radical overhaul in the Scots' approach as they look to bounce back with a successful Nations League campaign and, latterly, World Cup qualification.

“I feel like we’re trying not to lose rather than trying to win, which is not the way I see the game," Mulgrew said.

"I suppose that’s Steve Clarke style, but I’m sure he’ll admit he’s still disappointed with how it went.

“As a coach, you can’t teach what you don’t believe. So if he doesn’t believe in that style, then you can’t change.

“Steve Clarke’s been successful doing it his way so who am I to say it should change?”

Image source, SNS

Midfielder John McGinn says the "hurt and disappointment" of Scotland’s Euro 2024 exit is still raw as he urged improvement from the squad and management.

The 29-year-old insists Steve Clarke's men will give everything they can to be at the World Cup in two years after their meek Euros showing in Germany.

Scotland bowed out bottom of Group A with one point after defeats by Germany and Hungary either side of a draw with Switzerland.

"The hurt and disappointment is still raw and this feeling will take a while to shift," McGinn said on Instagram, external.

"This group of players and staff have come a long way in the past few years, hopefully delivering memories that will last a lifetime. To go one step further, we know we all need to improve.

"Thank you for the support both in Germany and back home in Scotland. The thousands who travelled to Germany (with or without a ticket), represented Scotland in the best possible way and it fills us all with pride.

"Representing your country at a major tournament, with the support of those closest to you, is a feeling that can’t quite be described. But it’s certainly one that I want to repeat…

"We will give everything we can to be at the World Cup in 2026."

Scotland fans, we asked for your thoughts on Steve Clarke as the national team's manager after the disappointing group-stage exit at Euro 2024.

It's fair to say opinion was split on whether Clarke is the right man to take Scotland forward.

First, here is what some of his backers said...

Robin: He is the right person. He now has experience of managing an international side, and qualified for two final stage tournaments. What is missing is players good enough to play at that level.

Stephen: To be honest I didn't think we would win any of the games, maybe a draw against Hungary. I think Clarke has been very good and had moved away from his defensive, build into the game approach. But he has no option to really change. We have the Scott McTominay syndrome of Man Utd: he is our top scorer. Say no more. I vote to support him.

Andrew: He has turned the team around from where they were when he took the job. He has taken us to consecutive Euro championships, we lost key players leading up to the tournament which was a blow We don’t have a large pool of talent to pick from, so we did as best as we could with the players we have. We shouldn’t be questioning whether Clarke is the right man to take us to the next level, instead we should be asking if he wants to continue trying to take us to the next level.

Ryan: The amount of criticism Clarke is getting is ridiculous. Yes, we could have done much better at the Euros and we never really showcased our full ability. I don’t think our past two knockout stages should eradicate the brilliant job Clarke has done to rebuild this team. Have faith and show support. I guarantee he will get us to another major tournament in his time as manager.

Del: Clarke should be supported for the next five to eight years

Anon: Yes, of course Clarke should remain in charge. There were factors outside of his control this time round like the pre-tournament injuries. The players also have to take responsibility as well.

'Thanks for his efforts but we need to move on'

And now for those who would like to see someone new at the helm...

Charlie: Clarke has done a good job to get us to where we are but it's time for a change. Either David Moyes or Derek McInnes would be the ideal candidates.

Marco: Time for Clarke to go as its clear that he is picking players who are his pals, regardless if they put in a bad performance or not he still stands by them and picks them no matter what.

Anon: Clarke's football is too negative, he is being found out now. Time for a new attack-minded coach. Thanks for his efforts but now we need to move on.

Calum: I've always been a big Clarke defender and he deserves a lot of credit for taking us to two Euros, but we haven't progressed and looked really short on belief in two of the three games (like Euro 2020). He has taken us as far as he can and we need a fresh start now. I'd ask Moyes.

John: Respect to Clarke for getting us to the Euros but I think it's time for a change. We have a decent nucleus of players but what was glaringly obvious last week and probably since qualifying is a few injuries and the whole structure falls apart.

Matthew: Clarke is too negative to take Scotland any further than he has. He did a fantastic job to get us to the Euros with games to spare, but he has reached his limit. The current narrative that we lack the quality is just not true - other countries with arguably less talented squads are at least giving it a go at the Euros and not playing with zero strikers or urgency.

Image source, PA Media

The pain of an early Euros exit will be sore enough for Scotland, but the tag of being the tournament's "most boring team" will only rub salt into the wounds.

Steve Clarke's side scored just two goals, both of which were finished by opposition players, and matched the record for fewest shots in the competition's group stage.

They are also the only team at the current finals who have failed to register a first-half shot - something they did on two occasions.

Those grim statistics have raised questions on whether Clarke has what it takes to get the maximum out of the players at his disposal.

The Scotland head coach has deservedly received praise for taking the nation to back-to-back European Championships, but a second straight disappointment in the groups has some fans asking: 'Can Clarke take us any further?'.

"I have my doubts about that," The Athletic's Jordan Campbell says on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Clarke's had such a long period of time there [to get the team] ready for a major tournament where we know we're going to have to be better on the ball and be able to break teams down.

"I don't see any evidence he's going to be the guy that can do that. And that's not a slight against him, he's a good manager at what he does, but I think for this team, there is more ability than what we showed in the last two weeks.

"You look at other teams like Albania, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia. They've all had a moment or a game in this tournament where they've really shown themselves and they've shown their identity.

"What do people come away thinking about Scotland? I don't really think they come away remembering anything about our style of football, apart from that we're probably, sadly, the most boring team to watch in the tournament."

What do you think? Is Clarke still the right man to lead Scotland forward?

Let us know your thoughts here., external

Image source, Reuters

Was a miserable Euros campaign always in the script for Scotland?

Injury and fitness issues to some key players undoubtedly played a part, but Tom English says a nine-month demise meant he could see failure coming.

After qualifying in spectacular fashion, Steve Clarke's side travelled to Germany in poor form - one victory, against a woeful Gibraltar, in nine.

A winless Euro 2024 means that run now stands at one in 12, having gained just a single point from three group games.

Despite a "really excellent" qualification campaign, full of "verve, intensity and aggression", BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter says Clarke will now "have to answer" for the team having "no creativity".

"I didn't think this team would achieve anything in these Euros," English said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"This demise didn't start against Germany in Munich. It started many months ago. The things that made them a good side... they just faded away over the last eight, nine, 10 months.

"And the chickens coming home to roost was this championship. Eventually Clarke will do a press conference and he's going to have to answer why he was unable to bring some creativity into this team.

"I don't want to say he sleepwalked his way to this championship, but it kind of felt like it because nothing changed.

"It was the same old, same players, same formations, doing the same things, and it amounted to one point and a really feeble exit."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, Getty Images

As if to rub salt into Scotland's wounds, Saturday's fixtures here at the Euros make for painful reading, with Scotland's name nowhere to be seen.

Saturday 29th June:

17:00 - Switzerland v TBC

20:00 - Germany v TBC

Hungary have a waiting game. Three points may be enough for Marco Rossi's side to progress but they won't know for sure until the fixtures are completed in certain other groups.

Sadly, the only thing the Scotland players and staff were waiting for earlier was transport to the airport for the flight home.

The fans have left a lasting impression on Germany with their good behaviour, vast numbers and huge contribution to the local economy of each city they enlivened with their presence.

On the football front though, Scotland's minimal contribution will be quickly forgotten as this fine tournament builds towards an exciting climax.

Image source, PA Media

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin says Scotland didn't deserve a place in the last 16 of the Euros, and anyone that thinks otherwise is "kidding themselves".

Steve Clarke's side finished bottom of Group A with just one point after their 1-0 defeat to Hungary on Sunday.

"Can we sit here and say we were robbed? No," Nevin told the Scottish Football Podcast.

"We are not a team or a group or a nation that can say we should be in the next round.

"We got one point out of nine, we didn't have a whole bunch of chances and a whole bunch of domination in the final third.

"Anyone who says we were robbed and thinks we should be in the next round is kidding themselves."

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland international Erin Cuthbert believes an apology is "not required" from Andy Robertson after the men's captain said sorry to the nation following their Euro 2024 exit.

After Sunday's 1-0 loss to Hungary knocked Scotland out, an emotional Robertson apologised to the Tartan Army for "letting you down", but Cuthbert says the side's effort cannot be faulted.

"Andy feels the weight of the country of his shoulders so I wasn't surprised to hear [him apologising]," she said.

"He saw the level of support, everything on social media, maybe he doesn't feel the performances have matched that.

"An apology is not required because we've all had the time of our lives here. No matter what, the boys have given 100% effort. As Scots, we can't fault that."

Cuthbert, who has 68 caps for her country, also backed Steve Clarke to recover from the latest failure at a major tournament.

"He's got us to two major tournaments so he's done a great job," Cuthbert added. "We've fallen short at the tournaments and I'm leaving this one thinking 'what if?' because I think we're good enough.

"I know Steve Clarke, he's a good guy and he'll pick himself up, dust himself down and reflect. Whatever happens, we'll come back fighting."

Image source, PA Media

Callum McGregor says the "ball just didn't drop" for Scotland in their Euro 2024 loss against Hungary.

Steve Clarke's side missed out on the chance of a historic place in the last 16 with a 1-0 defeat in their final group stage game.

"It's a huge disappointment," McGregor said.

"There was so much hope and expectation, we thought this was going to be the time we did it.

"The players gave everything but sometimes in football the ball just doesn't drop where you need it to drop. That was probably the case tonight.

"The point wasn't enough for us, it would have been a big ask for us to go through on two points. We knew we had to try and win the game. You throw everything at it and you get hit on the counter-attack. That goal was probably irrelevant.

"We've been away from these competitions for a long time. It's building all the time and sometimes you have to suffer disappointment to understand the level.

"We definitely had the confidence and belief we could get the job done. Hungary made it a difficult game, like we knew they would, and they found the moment of quality which we never quite did."

Image source, PA Media

• John McGinn won five fouls in this match, the most by a Scotland player in a major tournament game since Christian Dailly won six against Norway at the 1998 World Cup.

• Grant Hanley completed 69 passes against Hungary, the most by a Scotland player in a major tournament game that Opta has on record (1974 World Cup onwards). Hanley also had more touches in the opposition box than any other Scottish player (four).

• Scotland completed 249 passes in the first half, the most they have completed in the first half of a major tournament match on record (1974 World Cup onwards).

• There have only been two instances at Euro 2024 of a team failing to have a shot in the first half of a match and both have been Scotland - against Germany and now against Hungary.

• Hungary ended a run of eight Euro matches without a win, registering their first victory since a 2-0 win over Austria at Euro 2016 – this was also their first clean sheet since that win.

• Scotland had just 17 shots at Euro 2024 in total – since the group stage was introduced in 1980, that is the joint fewest by a nation in a group stage, along with Northern Ireland at Euro 2016.

• Hungary’s goal scored by Kevin Csoboth in the 100th minute was the latest goal ever scored in a European Championship match (excluding extra-time), timed at 99 minutes and 32 seconds.

• This was Scotland’s 12th major tournament group stage and in 50% of those they have failed to win a single match – at the 1954, 1958, 1986 and 1998 World Cups and Euro 2020 and 2024.