Scotland have a chance to make history at UEFA Euro 2024 but defensive problems have hampered their preparations for Sunday’s win-or-go Group A clash with Hungary.
Already facing a headache at the back following Ryan Porteous’ red card in the opening 5-1 hammering against Germany, manager Steve Clarke was dealt another blow on the eve of the final pool clash after Kieran Tierney flew home with a hamstring problem.
The Arsenal man was stretchered off in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland that kept alive Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in their history, and will play no further part in the competition. .
A win for either side would give them the chance to progress as one of the top third-placed teams, but Hungary will need to do more than their back-to-back two-goal defeats (3-1 to Switzerland and 2-0 to Germany) if they are to present an unlikely qualifying offer.
Team news
Scotland’s defensive options have been dealt another blow with the news that Kieran Tierney has been ruled out. The Arsenal man flew home from Germany on Thursday. Scott McKenna is likely to deputize in the back five.
Ryan Porteous remains suspended following his red card in the opening defeat against Germany, although he would be available if Scotland progress to the knockout stages. Billy Gilmour should keep his place in midfield.
As for Hungary, coach Marco Rossi knows his team must go on the attack against the Scots and could make changes to offer more threat up front.
Martin Adam looks the most likely to get a chance from the start if Rossi opts for changes, there may also be reason to throw caution to the wind as Bendeguz Bolla is once again deployed in a right-wing role, which could be an interesting matchup with the Scotland captain by Andrew Robertson.
Scotland’s starting lineup (3-4-1-2, right to left): Gunn (GK) — Hendry, Hanley, McKenna — Ralston, Gilmour, McGregor, Robertson — McTominay — Adams, McGinn.
Hungary starting lineup (3-4-1-2, right to left): Gulacsi (GK) — Fiola, Orban, Dardai — Bolla, Nagy, Schafer, Kerkez — Szoboszlai — Adam, Varga.
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