Scotland Men's Football Team

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Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson says he is "really thankful" he made the decision to represent England over Scotland.

The 22-year-old has a Scottish grandmother and was capped by Scotland from under-16 through to under-21 level but withdrew from the senior squad after his first call-up in September 2023.

Anderson announced last year he had made a final decision to play for England, the land of his birth.

He is now in line to potentially make his England debut against Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday.

"I went away with the Scotland team and I left camp after a few days and decided that I needed more time to make my decision," Anderson said.

"I didn't want to dive into anything. I'm really thankful I've done that now.

"I'm definitely English, that's where I see myself, but I hadn't really been called up to England throughout the age groups when I was younger.

"So I thought I'd take the opportunity to play and when I got that belief that I was good enough to play for England, it hit me and I focused on England."

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Craig Levein says it is "fantastic" to see Aaron Hickey return to Steve Clarke's Scotland squad - following two separate surgeries and nearly two years out of action because of hamstring issues.

The 23-year-old full-back, capped 14 times, last played for Scotland in a 2-0 loss to Spain in October 2023, but could make an international return in the away double-header against Denmark and Belarus that opens the Scots' World Cup qualifying campaign.

Having appeared from the bench in Brentford's opening two Premier League games, he returns to the national fold before he has even completed 90 minutes this term.

Levein, who managed Scotland between 2009 and 2012, said the Scotland head coach now has big decisions to make.

"Steve Clarke has had so long to think about his starting XI and I'm sure he's discussed it with his coaches," said the former Hearts and St Johnstone boss on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland.

"I think he'll play with three at the back and the box in midfield, which he's done in most matches and that's his go-to set-up.

"If we can take four points from these first two matches, we'll put ourselves in a fantastic position, but starting with two games away from home is tricky."

Levein believes the players are in a good position to embrace the pressure.

"The leagues that most the players are playing in bring pressure every single week, which means they will find it easier to perform," he said.

"There are only five players who are not playing in the English Premier League or a top league in Europe. In the past, we were lucky if we had two or three players who played in top flight leagues outside of Scotland."

'Bowie merits a start'

Former Hibernian and Celtic midfielder Scott Allan believes Kieron Bowie has "done more than enough to merit a start" in the opening World Cup qualifying fixtures.

The 22-year-old Hibs striker, who made his senior international debut in a 4-0 friendly victory over Liechtenstein in June, has three goals in nine appearances, including an impressive strike against Partizan Belgrade in Conference League qualifying.

"Kieron Bowie has done more than enough to merit a start, looking at how well he's done in the European campaign for Hibs at the start of the season," Allan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It's the importance of being able to hold the ball up, especially in venues where you don't expect to have the ball as much as them. If you have him up front, you've got [Scott] McTominay playing off him looking to hit the box and he'll probably go with Ryan Christie.

"You've got guys who can actually get after teams and if you get the press right you can steal the ball high up the pitch, and then you've got a chance."

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Leading Scotland at a World Cup would "mean everything" for captain Andy Robertson, who says the squad has a "burning desire" to get to next summer's finals in USA, Mexico and Canada.

Qualification kicks off away to Denmark on Friday, with Greece and Belarus the other group opponents.

Asked about how it would feel to clinch the nation's first appearance at the finals since 1998, the Liverpool left-back replied: "It would mean everything.

"We know how happy people were when we got to the Euros [in 2021 and 2024]. The Euros is unbelievable but I think the World Cup is the pinnacle.

"Everyone dreams of playing in a World Cup and we've not managed it. I'm not getting any younger either so, for some of us it might be our last chance to try and get there.

"You don't know what's coming and I think we've got that burning desire to be there. We all have to be in it together."

'Squad at highest level ever for Scotland'

Robertson, 31, will make his 85th international appearance in Copenhagen.

He played in both matches against Denmark in the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign - with the home nation prevailing on each occasion.

While acknowledging the strength of the hosts, who are ranked 21st in the world - 26 places above the Scots - the former Dundee United defender believes the current squad "is probably the highest level that we've ever had for Scotland".

"The quality is there to be seen," he said. "The level that the lads are playing at, the young lads coming in, how exciting they are and how capable they are on the ball and how mature they are off the ball.

"We also have the older heads that are still playing at a really high level. We can use our experience and use the quality that we've got.

"When you look at the squad on paper, the teams that everyone's playing for, it's probably the highest level that we've ever had for Scotland, but that means nothing when you go to a pitch. You need to show that quality, you need to show that togetherness. At times we've done that and at times we've not done that.

"We've proven against top nations that we're really difficult to beat. But we all need to work hard and we all need to be 100% focused on what our task is. When we do that we're a really good team."

Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, who has pulled out of Scotland's squad to face Denmark and Belarus, "still has a big future" with the national team, says international team-mate and captain Andy Robertson. (Record), external

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, 22, does not regret choosing England over Scotland. (Sun), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Parken

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Head coach Steve Clarke addressed the media the night before Scotland kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Denmark in Copenhagen.

Here are the key points the manager made:

• Clarke is confident Scotland can reach their first World Cup since 1998 and previous qualifying campaigns give him that belief as "we've shown we can handle the pressure".

• The head coach admitted it is "a very competitive group" with Greece and Belarus and though he "obviously" wants a win tomorrow, "it's not to say that you can't have a slow start and still qualify".

• Scotland "know this is a tough place to come" as "aggressive" Denmark come after teams and Clarke stressed his side will need to both "defend and play well".

• He said it was "disappointing" to lose two full-backs in Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston, but there is enough cover in the squad to soften the blow. He added their withdrawals have had no bearing on his defensive shape.

• Clarke said he is "pretty clear" with Scotland's goalkeeping situation.

• The head coach added "it's nice to be liked" as many of his players are saying they want to reach next summer's finals for him, especially if it is to be his last campaign - although he wouldn't be drawn in on his contract.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Copenhagen

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Denmark manager Brian Riemer has been warned by friend and Norway boss Stale Solbakken to "watch out" for Scotland in their opening World Cup qualifier.

Steve Clarke's side begin their quest for a first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1998 at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Friday - live across the BBC.

And Riemer is braced for a tough test, referencing Scotland's Euro 2024 qualifying win over Norway in Oslo and victory at home to Spain in the same campaign.

"Scotland are a team we have great respect for," Riemer told BBC Scotland. "Mr Clarke has done a great job over the last few years.

"I spoke to my good friend Stale Solbakken from Norway a few weeks ago and he told me to watch out because it's not easy.

"We obviously played Spain ourselves, so we know how difficult it is to beat Spain.

"Just to see those two results for me is a great example of why we need to be very respectful against Scotland."

Riemer was Thomas Frank's assistant at Brentford for four years before moving to Anderlecht and on to his current role, and the Dane says he is acutely aware of Scotland's threats, given who he saw up close during his time in England.

"I really like to watch Billy Gilmour play," Riemer explained.

"What a great football player who can go down, pick the ball up and find the passes.

"Scott McTominay too is in great shape. If you get MVP in Serie A, then I think every team would like to have a Scott McTominay in their team.

"Two players who could probably join most teams in the world and make a difference. So we'll watch out for them."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland head coach Steve Clarke believes there is a pathway for young players into his squad if they can make their mark at club level.

A dearth of opportunities for Scottish players in the SPFL Premiership has contributed to most of Clarke's most recent squad being made up of players who play their club football elsewhere.

Only five of the current pool play in Scotland, with nine playing in the English league set-up and eight playing overseas.

"Clubs will sign players that they think can help them to be successful, whatever that level of success is, whether that's winning trophies or staying in the division," Clarke said.

"Obviously, as the head coach of Scotland, you want as many young Scottish boys to have opportunities as possible. I think over my time in the job, we've shown that there's a pathway into the squad.

"We've got a good mix now between younger players that are going to be the next generation and the older players that have done so much for the country so far.

"Can we get more through? I think we can. You've just got to be a little bit patient and make sure that they get the chance to come through at the right time."

Scotland start their bid to reach the 2026 World Cup with a tough trip to Denmark on Friday.

Having missed the past six finals, can Scotland return to the biggest football stage of all for the first time since 1998?

Opening matches are always important, so let's have a look at how those previous failed campaigns began.

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Scotland finished third in the qualifying groups for the 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2018 tournaments.

There was a fourth place behind Belgium, Croatia and Serbia on the road to 2014.

Scotland suffered just one one defeat in 10 fixtures last time - which just happened to be in Copenhagen - as they ended second in the table, four points behind Denmark.

However, a 3-1 defeat by Ukraine in a poor play-off semi-final display at Hampden dashed dreams of getting to Qatar.

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Selecting the goalkeeper is the "biggest" decision Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has to make before the opening World Cup qualifying fixtures, says Robbie Neilson.

Hearts' Zander Clark, Nottingham Forest's Angus Gunn and Rangers' Liam Kelly are the three keepers in Clarke's squad to face Denmark and Belarus, with both games away from home.

Gunn is the most capped of the trio with 16 senior international appearances, Clark playing four times and Kelly having one cap.

However, Clark is the only one playing regularly this season with Kelly having made one Rangers appearance so far this term and Gunn yet to make his Forest debut.

"He'll probably try and see the relationship that's getting built with each keeper with his preferred defensive line and then try and make a decision from there," said former Hearts and Dundee United boss Neilson, who played once for Scotland in 2006.

"That's probably the biggest one he's got to make."

Scotland visit Denmark on Friday then travel to play Belarus on Monday and will also take on Greece in their four-team group.

"We've got a good squad," Neilson said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "The biggest issue is what formation we play and who we pick.

"When you look at the make-up of our squad - [Aaron] Hickey's coming back in, you've got [Kieran] Tierney, [Andy] Robertson. One of the problems we've had over the last few years is fitting these quality defenders into the team.

"Midfield-wise, we're super strong and that striker department is the problem we really have, out with the goalkeeper. We don't have world class players in that top end.

"Do you go with a stronger base and try and almost grind out the win or do you open up and play less of your good players at the back and more of your so-called lesser players up front?

"I think we'll see more of a 3-5-2, potentially a 3-4-3 but really it becomes a 5-4-1."

The Danes reached the last World Cup finals and played the Scots in the qualification campaign for that tournament. The home team won 2-0 on both occasions.

"Denmark are a world class team," added Neilson. "They've got some good players.

"Going away to Copenhagen gives everyone a real focus for the start of it. If we get the three points, then it's a massive start to the campaign for us.

"Denmark will have to win the game, they'll be seeing it as a game that they open up and try and win so can we go there, stifle them, stifle the crowd a wee bit and pick up the three points?

"If any game is made for Steve Clarke management and the way he gets his team set up, this is it."

Versatile Scotland player Ryan Christie, 30, is "willing to play anywhere" for the national team. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

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• Denmark have won their past three home matches against Scotland without conceding a goal, with this the first meeting since September 2021, a 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier. The Scots' last win in Denmark came in a European Championship qualifier in 1975, a 1-0 win with a goal from Joe Harper.

• The past five meetings between Denmark and Scotland have all been won by the home side – the last away victory came via the Danes winning 1-0 in an August 2002 friendly at Hampden Park.

• Denmark have won 10 of their past 11 World Cup qualifying matches (L1), though their most recent game was a 2-0 away defeat to Scotland in November 2021. On home soil, the Danes have won their past five in a row by an aggregate score of 19-1.

• Scotland have won their past three away World Cup qualifiers, since losing 2-0 away at Denmark in September 2021. The Scots have never previously won four away World Cup qualifying games in a row.

• Denmark have won 25 of their past 28 home games in all competitions (D1 L2), keeping 18 clean sheets in these games. They haven't conceded more than twice in a home game since losing 4-0 to Armenia back in June 2013.

• This match will be Steve Clarke's 69th in charge of Scotland, going ahead of Jock Stein into outright second place for games managed for the Scots; only Craig Brown has ever managed more (71). His 29 wins are also level with Stein's total, three behind the record of 32 won by Brown.

• Che Adams scored a hat-trick in his most recent Scotland appearance in the 4-0 win over Liechtenstein – he's had a hand in nine goals in 13 away starts for his country (six goals, three assists).

• Since Brian Riemer's arrival as Denmark manager, only Christian Eriksen (five) has more goals for the Danes than defender Rasmus Kristensen (two), while Kristensen has also made the most tackles of any player in Riemer's six games in charge (13), despite only playing in four of them.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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When Malky Mackay handed Ryan Christie his international debut in a friendly defeat to the Netherlands in 2017, the then-interim head coach Malky Mackay said he was "someone who could play for Scotland for the next 10 years".

Eight years in, you wouldn't bet against it.

The versatile Bournemouth attacker is on the cusp of earning his 60th cap and could do so in Copenhagen on Friday night as Scotland kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Denmark - live across the BBC.

Much has changed since Mackay handed debuts to Christie, Ryan Jack, Callum McGregor and Jason Cummings, not least Scotland are back playing at major tournaments.

There is, of course, one thing missing. A World Cup qualification.

Christie, who memorably burst into tears when Scotland reached Euro 2020, admitted it would be "pretty special" to be part of the squad to end the drought.

"It would be a massive achievement for everyone who's been involved in this journey so far," the 30-year-old said.

"It's six massive games, six cup finals if you will. I think we go into it in a good place because we know how much we want it.

"We've got the experience of the Euros and the last qualifiers. We know what's needed.

"All the boys that have qualified before, I think this is the one thing that's missing for so many of us. We're desperate to do it along with the gaffer."

Christie believes Scotland are "in a great place" on the back of back-to-back European Championships and credited Steve Clarke for creating that environment.

"Everybody's pulling in the same direction," he added. "I don't think we had that when I first joined the Scotland set-up.

"The gaffer, over his tenure, has been superb at keeping that core of players together and getting success along the way.

"The success that it's brought has helped us with the confidence and belief that we are a country that can qualify and pick up big results against big teams."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Steven Naismith believes Scotland have "a really good chance" of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup having "slipped straight back in" to Steve Clarke's staff.

Former Hearts head coach Naismith was confirmed as John Carver's successor as Clarke's assistant, having previously served in his backroom team in the lead up to Euro 2024.

Having seen the progression the squad have taken since his first stint in the Scotland ranks, former forward Naismith is confident the current crop can "tick the one box they haven't".

"It's a really good [chance]," Naismith said as the squad hook up for the opening qualifying matches against Denmark and Belarus.

"But that doesn't mean it's there just to take. You need to work hard for it."

It'll be a case of working hard and fast this time round, with just six qualifying matches - all completed before the end of November.

Naismith thinks the condensed calendar can play to Scotland's strength with their club-like environment, but stressed the importance of getting off to a strong start and building momentum.

"You've got two tough games away from home and I think everybody in the group will sit there and think 'we've got a chance here' and that's where you need to just go out and do it and prove it," he said.

"This condensed qualifying campaign, you can build real momentum and that starts in this week ahead."

Naismith is itching to get back on the pitch with the players - many of whom were part of the squad when he was last involved in the national team set-up - and get working for a World Cup appearance.

"I was grateful the first time round to get the opportunity really early on," he added.

"It developed me as a coach, a manager, a lot and I think I'm definitely more experienced now, but I've slipped straight back in and it feels comfortable.

"I think that's a good thing for me and it's exciting.

"I've been around at stages laterally when I played, when I was a coach, when things built up to what was getting to Euros, which was brilliant and with the opportunity to get to a World Cup in three months, it's very exciting."