Scotland exited Euro 2024 in the most painstaking manner on Sunday evening. A win against Hungary would have sealed their place in the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time but it simply wasn’t to be.
The national team huffed and puffed throughout the 90, yet didn’t manufacture much in terms of clear-cut opportunities. The players looked nervy at times and were guilty of being too safe in their play.
Scotland’s Andy Robertson and Callum McGregor react REUTERS/Lee Smith
Manager Steve Clarke, though, also has to take some criticism. Many fans are not happy with the way he tactically set his team up, and two former Celts were perplexed by a key decision he made in the latter stages of the match.
Indeed, as the Scots were pushing for a late goal, the boss made several alterations, bringing on the likes of Lawrence Shankland, Stuart Armstrong, Ryan Christie and Kenny McLean.
His final roll of the dice was to throw on Lewis Morgan, but Chris Sutton and Shane Duffy mirrored many Celtic supporters’ view that Clarke should have turned to James Forrest.
The veteran has shown on several occasions for his clubs that he can be a difference-maker off the bench, especially at critical points.
Duffy was shocked he didn’t come on:
James Forrest?? How is he not on this pitch
— Shane Duffy (@shaneduffy) June 23, 2024
Similarly, former striker-turned-pundit Sutton was bewildered as to why Forrest didn’t get any game time:
Gutted for Scotland. However I’m not sure why Steve Clarke didn’t use James Forrest when the team struggled to create chances all tournament. Looking at the Armstrong pen claim, Armstrong more interested in trying to get the defender to bundle into him than trying to shoot…
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) June 23, 2024
The Celts who are finished representing Scotland will now get some well-deserved time off.
It has been a long and arduous season for several Bhoys, but they will now rest and recharge ahead of what is set to be yet another rollercoaster campaign at Parkhead.
