Spain vs Scotland: ‘We have to play our game’ to secure Euro 2024 qualification, says Steve Clarke
Scotland manager Steve Clarke believes that if his team play their “own game” against Spain they can achieve a result which will allow them to qualify for Euro 2024.
An impressive campaign which sees the Scots top Group A with five wins from five, with a draw in Seville enough to secure a place in Germany next summer.
Scott McTominay’s brace allowed them to shock the Spaniards with a 2-0 victory at Hampden Park in March and Clarke is confident of another strong performance on Thursday night.
“Of course confidence will be part of it and we obviously have to get the tactics right,” Clarke said.
“The players have to put into practice on the pitch what was said on the training pitch, they have to play to the fullest.
“We have to play our game the best we can and I think that will be enough to get something out of the game.”
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Former captain Gary McAllister believes the Scotland midfielder is key to Euro 2024 qualifying success.
The Spaniards were left unimpressed after their defeat in Glasgow, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri accusing Scotland of playing “poor” football.
Clarke expects to face much tougher opposition this time around, with Luis de la Fuente in charge for the seventh time after taking over from Luis Enrique last December.
“I think when we played them in March, we were probably just in a little transition from the old coach to the new coach,” he added.
“They had a disappointing World Cup campaign, so maybe we got them at the right time.
“We know we have to be very, very good to get a positive result.”
Clarke set to lead Scotland to back-to-back Euros
Scotland are on the verge of securing qualification for back-to-back European Championships after Clarke ended a 23-year exile by leading them to Euro 2020.
“We want to get the job done as quickly as possible,” added the former Kilmarnock and West Brom boss.
“If we succeed that would be great, otherwise we have two more chances in November.
“We have these chances because we started the group so well. We have 15 points from five games, it’s a good start.
“We know we need to score more points to cross the finish line.
“Do I think this team will finish the group with 15 points? No, I think we will have more points, whether it’s Thursday or in November.”
How can Scotland reach Euro 2024?
Scotland will qualify for Euro 2024 on Thursday if they avoid defeat against Spain in Seville, or if Norway fail to beat Cyprus on the same evening.
If the results do not go in Scotland’s favor, they could still claim qualification on October 15, if Spain avoid defeat against Norway.
Even if Clarke’s side qualify next month without having managed to secure a Euro place, they know a victory in Georgia on November 16 would be enough.
Scotland lead Group A with five wins out of five and are six points ahead of Spain who have played a game less.
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Former defender Charlie Mulgrew is optimistic about Scotland’s chances of qualifying for the Euros after making it five wins out of five.
Scotland team
Goalkeepers: Zander Clark, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly.
Defenders: Liam Cooper, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Ryan Porteous, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Greg Taylor.
Midfielder : Stuart Armstrong, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Callum McGregor, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay.
Advantages: Ryan Christie, Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Jacob Brown.
Scotland’s next fixtures
October 12: Spain (a), Euro 2024 qualifiers, kick-off at 7:45 p.m.
October 17: France (a), friendly, 8 p.m.
November 16: Georgia (a), Euro 2024 qualifiers, kick-off at 5 p.m.
November 19: Norway (h), Euro 2024 qualifiers, kick-off at 7:45 p.m.