Scotland: Euro 2024 qualification confirmed for Steve Clarke’s side as Spain win in Norway
Scotland qualified for Euro 2024 after Norway failed to beat Spain, meaning Steve Clarke’s side cannot be overtaken by their two Group A rivals.
After winning five from their opening six matches, Scotland only needed Spain to take a point in Oslo, meaning Norway would finish with a maximum of 14 points and therefore miss out on a place among the first two.
However, days after beating Scotland in Seville, Spain won 1-0 and now lead Group A on goal difference against Scotland.
Following Tuesday’s friendly in France, Scotland travel to Georgia next month before hosting Norway in their final qualifier, while Spain travel to Cyprus and end their qualifying campaign at home to Georgia.
Having ended a 22-year wait to qualify for a major Euro 2020 final, head coach Steve Clarke has now led Scotland to back-to-back European Championships.
More soon.
How Scotland qualified for Euro 2024
Scotland qualified for back-to-back European Championships under Steve Clarke
Scotland have enjoyed a blistering start to the campaign with back-to-back wins, first against Cyprus before Scott McTominay’s double against Spain at home in March.
They then claimed a narrow victory against Erling Haaland’s Norway before a rain-soaked Hampden Park saw Clarke’s side beat Georgia in June.
A comprehensive 3-0 win over Cyprus in Larnaca kept their winning streak going to 15 points.
Although an opening defeat to Spain in Seville delayed Tartan Army celebrations, flights can be booked and Scotland will fly to Germany next summer after Norway failed to make the cut to beat Spain in Oslo.
McAllister: Clarke created a club mentality
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Former Scotland captain Gary McAllister has praised the work Steve Clarke has done with the national team since taking charge.
Gary McAllister – who captained Scotland at Euro 96 – praised the work done by head coach Clarke since taking over in 2019.
“Clarke seems to have created a national club situation where everyone generally wants to turn up and play,” he said.
“It was a problem a few years ago, when there were a lot of injuries, a lot of cancellations.
“Now everyone wants to be part of the success that Scotland produce on the pitch, because not only are they scoring points, but I think the level of performance is also very high. I think it creates something like what Craig Brown did.
“Clarke has developed a style and we are particularly strong in midfield with some very good midfielders who are really showing they can compete with the best.
“We’re lucky in midfield and it’s always strange to see the criticism Scott McTominay gets when he plays for Manchester United.
McAllister praised Scotland midfielders after impressive qualifying campaign
“He does an incredible job for Scotland and when I see him playing for United I don’t think it does them much harm either.
“It just seems to be a wee bit of the Manchester United whip, maybe it’s not a trendy name and he plays for Scotland, but if he keeps plugging away it’s is a top player. I really like him.
“I spent a short period with John McGinn at Aston Villa. He is a natural leader and someone who has taken on that responsibility with the national team and he is also a player who is proving he can score a goal. goal and that he can score a goal.
“So he is very crucial for Steve Clarke and Callum McGregor at Celtic is also an exceptional footballer.”
Scotland’s next fixtures
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.