Cuthbert and Weir are two players who stepped onto the biggest stage at a young age and have stayed there ever since. The pair joined Chelsea and Arsenal respectively while still in their teens. Cuthbert has regularly collected silverware in London, while Weir’s journey has taken her from Manchester to Madrid and, most recently, Lyon. […]
Continue Reading
England had hoped to avoid the play-offs, but a difficult qualifying-group draw placed them alongside reigning world champions Spain. Nevertheless, Wiegman’s team are well positioned to advance. With a valuable advantage from the opening leg, they are strong favourites against Greece, who are 55 places lower in the Fifa world rankings. England also won both […]
Continue Reading
Was the loss therefore caused by the tactical setup? Pocognoli has continued to use what is thought to be his favoured shape, featuring three central defenders and two wing-backs operating high up the pitch. The approach initially showed signs of difficulty during the first half of last month’s goalless draw in Slovenia. However, a stronger […]
Continue Reading
A back three that had previously appeared assured was relentlessly pressured, with composure giving way to uncertainty. Scotland’s usual leaders failed to take control. Robertson admitted his side had been beaten in the physical battle, a particularly revealing assessment. Determination should be the simplest quality to deliver because it does not depend on technical ability. […]
Continue Reading
Halliday said on Sportsound that he had expected Pocognoli to be given some time to settle in during this camp, but believes that adjustment period has now ended. He described it as one of Scotland’s weakest displays in recent memory, particularly against opponents they had been expected to defeat. Slovenia repeatedly found space behind Scotland’s […]
Continue Reading
Pocognoli has instructed him to make a greater impact further forward. “I’m pleased that he sees me playing in a more attacking position,” Gilmour said. “Whenever he gives me a role, I’ll give everything I have, whether that’s at the back or in attack. Above all, I’m delighted to be getting time on the pitch.” […]
Continue Reading
“Process” has been mentioned so frequently by Scotland’s head coach and players lately that it could almost serve as the team’s new slogan. However, the term accurately reflects the situation. Pocognoli is working to introduce a system that differs significantly from that of his predecessor. He is also seeking to establish a new mentality while […]
Continue Reading
What continues to motivate him? His response comes immediately. “I still remember the pride and emotion I experienced on my debut against Denmark in 2016. That feeling keeps me moving forward. Whenever you are selected to represent your country, you cannot be certain another opportunity will come, so you must appreciate every appearance.” “Tomorrow night […]
Continue Reading
A decision that should be considerably easier is handing Kieron Bowie another place in the starting line-up. The Sassuolo forward’s first start for Scotland lasted only a little over 10 minutes, as he was withdrawn to allow Welsh to reinforce the defence. Bowie and Oli McBurnie displayed encouraging chemistry during their brief spell together in […]
Continue Reading
Scotland’s loss to Switzerland has raised several concerns for Sebastian Pocognoli and his squad. Has Angus Gunn faced excessive criticism, are the team’s defensive weaknesses becoming more serious, and where will the goals come from? Andy Burke, Mark Atkinson and Cammy Bell discuss the key issues confronting Scotland before their important fixtures against North Macedonia […]
Continue Reading