After the Netherlands (1-2), it’s time for Scotland. This Tuesday evening (9 p.m.), the French team welcomes, at the Decathlon Arena-Stade Pierre Mauroy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, the Marine and Jaune for a match, certainly friendly, but which constitutes (also) a good test for Didier Deschamps and his men in view of the next deadlines. Because in recent times, the Tartan Army has made significant progress, establishing itself (now) as one of the national selections that count in Europe. This is evidenced by their qualification for Euro 2024 after a good run in the qualifiers, marked in particular by a victory against Spain last March (2-0).
More specifically, Scotland have continued to develop under the leadership of Steve Clarke, who was appointed coach almost four and a half years ago, in May 2019. “We are constantly improving, we are striving to improve, trying to add small elements to our game that will make us more competitive against the best teams, but we understand that we still have a little way to go,” explained the 60-year-old technician last week. And for almost a year, she seems to have reached a (big) level. A great development that it owes, in part, to a (new) change in the system.
Indeed, in recent years, the Navy and Yellow have regularly changed their playing pattern. But from the second part of 2022, Steve Clarke has decided to put aside his 4-2-3-1 to install a 3-4-2-1 (or 3-4-1-2). Training that allows him to put his key elements in the best possible condition. As pistons, Andrew Robertson, the (much) forward-leaning left back of Liverpool FC (who has just injured his shoulder), and Aaron Hickey, the promising right back of Brentford FC, can put more emphasis on take advantage of their physical and offensive qualities. And in the midfield, Scott McTominay, used to having a (rather) defensive role at Manchester United, is a little freer. He can thus project himself into the opposing camp…And make the difference. With six goals on the clock, in just five matches played, he is neither more nor less than the third best scorer in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, tied with, in particular, Kylian Mbappé. That is to say !
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With this system of three axials, two pistons and two central midfielders, the Tartan Army has solidified itself defensively. During the six qualifying matches for the European Championship that she played this year, she only conceded three goals, including two last Thursday against La Roja (2-0). Before this setback, only Erling Haaland had managed to deceive the vigilance of Angus Gunn…from the penalty spot. Suffice to say that Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann and their teammates will have a lot to do this Tuesday to find the net.
Furthermore, Steve Clarke’s players have become (very) realistic on the offensive level. They have (already) twelve goals in six matches in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, or two per match. Concretely, they don’t need many opportunities to make a difference. Last March, against Spain, they scored twice with nine shots on goal. And against Norway, they also scored two goals (in two minutes) by hitting…only five times. The Blues, who were able to keep their clean sheets in 2023 until last September and the defeat in Germany (1-2), are warned. They will have to be extremely vigilant to hope to win.