Scotland’s Squad Age: Echoes of 1978 Raise Tournament Concerns
The exhilarating victory over England in 1977, where Gordon McQueen and Kenny Dalglish secured a 2-1 win, set expectations for Scotland’s national team soaring. Following this triumph, the team embarked on a tour of South America, brimming with confidence for the upcoming World Cup in Argentina. Victories against Chile and a draw with eventual champions Argentina fueled this optimism, with the squad genuinely believing they could compete at the highest level.
Manager Ally MacLeod’s hyperbolic predictions resonated throughout the nation after Kenny Dalglish’s decisive header against Wales secured qualification. However, the dream quickly dissolved into a catastrophic reality. MacLeod’s preparations were notably lacking; neither he nor his staff scouted their group opponents – Peru, Iran, or the Netherlands – in person. MacLeod famously stated, “You can prepare by becoming too dossier-minded. What I’ve decided to do is to try and win the World Cup by preparing my own team to perfection.” This focus on internal preparation, however, was undermined by logistical issues, including inadequate hotel facilities and the unsettling presence of armed guards.
A critical factor in the 1978 downfall was that the team’s strongest lineup had arguably peaked the year prior. Key players like Bruce Rioch and Don Masson were in their early thirties, yet were favored over a younger Graeme Souness, who had just won the European Cup with Liverpool. Joe Harper, who replaced Dalglish in a disappointing draw against Iran, was also 30. Derek Johnstone, a standout performer for Rangers that season, remained on the bench throughout the tournament. Willie Johnston, who was sent home after a failed drug test, was 31, as was Archie Gemmill, who managed to score a memorable goal in the final match against the Netherlands.
Concerns for Steve Clarke’s Squad
Nearly half a century later, there are legitimate concerns that history might be repeating itself for Steve Clarke’s Scotland. While Clarke’s pronouncements are far more measured than his predecessor’s, questions are emerging about whether the current squad has already reached its zenith. Scotland’s squad for the delayed Euro 2020 was among the younger groups participating, with an average age of 26.77. By Euro 2024, Scotland had the second oldest squad, averaging 28.3 years, surpassed only by host nation Germany.
Looking ahead, the average age of the squad is reported to be 29.19. Only a handful of players were born in the current century. While half of Clarke’s 26-man squad are under 30, only Aaron Hickey and Scott McTominay are considered guaranteed starters for the opening match. The manager faces a delicate balance: while experience is crucial, an abundance of older players could struggle with the anticipated heat and humidity of the tournament venues.
Performance Under Scrutiny
The team’s qualification for the tournament was undeniably spectacular, marked by a memorable 4-2 victory over Denmark. However, a closer examination of performances reveals a more nuanced picture. While solid against Denmark in Copenhagen and competent against Belarus, the team was second best at home to Greece, only to secure a win. Similarly, they were fortunate to overcome Belarus at Hampden and were thoroughly outplayed in Athens, trailing by three goals before a late rally.
The presence of veteran players raises specific questions. The potential inclusion of 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon would place him among the oldest players to ever feature in a major tournament. While a romantic narrative, his limited club action since January is a point of concern. In defense, Grant Hanley, a long-standing favorite, is now 34 and has made only nine appearances this year due to injuries. The prospect of three demanding matches in 12 days is a significant consideration.
Midfielders Kenny McLean, also 34, and captain Andy Robertson, 32, are approaching the twilight of their peak playing years. While John McGinn and Ryan Christie continue to display impressive energy, the physical demands of facing younger, dynamic opponents cannot be underestimated.
Youthful Options and Future Prospects
Similar to MacLeod’s era, Clarke has a pool of younger talent available. Scott McKenna, at 29, is the most experienced center-back option. Clarke may consider rotating partnerships with Hanley and the 31-year-old Jack Hendry. Kieran Tierney, turning 29, is a capable deputy for Robertson. Younger talents like 19-year-old Finley Curtis and 20-year-old Ben Gannon-Doak offer exciting prospects. Lewis Ferguson, at 26, is entering his prime. Tyler Fletcher, despite limited senior club experience, has shown promise and could provide valuable depth.
While experience is a vital component of any successful tournament campaign, this unique competition also necessitates the integration of youth. The cautionary tale of MacLeod’s 1978 campaign, precipitated by a failure to acknowledge his squad’s advancing age, serves as a stark reminder. There is no reason for the current management to face a similar fate of regret.
