The upcoming friendly match against Gibraltar is significant for Steve Clarke and his Scotland squad, particularly for the players in the provisional squad who have had limited action at their clubs or have recently returned from injury. Wigan boss Shaun Maloney emphasizes the need for these players to get minutes on the pitch to improve their fitness and prove their readiness for the upcoming games.
Maloney believes that some players may need a full 90 minutes on the pitch, while others may not even need to play. The former Belgium player highlighted the importance of these matches in terms of both fitness and trying out tactical strategies. He explained that certain players will be crucial in proving their fitness and fighting for a spot in the starting lineup.
The game against Gibraltar, which will take place at Estadio Algarve in Portugal, will also give Clarke the opportunity to work on tactics for Euro 2024, particularly focusing on the right side of the defense. After this game, Scotland will return home to face Finland at Hampden on Friday before their tournament opener against hosts Germany on 14 June.
Maloney pointed out that the right side of the defense is currently a competition between Anthony Ralston and Ross McCrorie in a potential back three formation, which will be a key focus area for the team. These friendly matches serve as a valuable opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and solidify their place in the team for the upcoming tournaments.
Overall, Maloney believes that these friendly matches are crucial for Scotland’s success in Euro 2024 and beyond, as they provide an opportunity to test new tactics and strategies while giving valuable playing time to those who need it most.
