Scotland at Euro 2024: How Far Can They Go?

As we edge closer to Euro 2024, the excitement among football fans grows – and not just for England fans!

Scotland‘s national team will also make their second consecutive appearance at the European Championship that takes place in two weeks on Friday (14th June). This post will explore how far Scotland can realistically go in Euro 2024, delving into their recent successes, group stage challenges as well as their historical performances.

In recent years, Scotland has experienced a footballing renaissance. The national team’s journey to Euro 2024 was markedly more straightforward compared to previous tournament qualifiers, having just missed out on the 2022 World Cup, and making the 2020 European Championships through two penalty shoot-offs.

By contrast, Scotland won the first five of their six matches, seeing them through with ease.

Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, has instilled a disciplined approach that has paid off handsomely. With key players like Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay leading the charge, the team looks more formidable than it has in a long time. This newfound strength raises the question: are they in the strongest position they’ve been in for decades?

The draw for the group stages is always a nail-biting affair, and this year is no different. Scotland finds itself in a competitive group alongside Germany, Hungary and Switzerland:

1. Germany: The hosts of the Euros this time around, Scotland will be the visitors in the opening match of the whole tournament. Arguably their biggest test, despite some less-than-stellar recent years for the multiple-time World & Euro Champions;
2. Switzerland: The only team in the group ranked lower than Scotland, this match will serve as a crucial opportunity for three points if they are to break into the knockout stages;
3. Hungary: Ranked just below England prior to the draw for the Euros, Hungary could prove a problematic side – but also Scotland will revel in the opportunity to try and nick some points here too.

To predict Scotland’s future in Euro 2024, it’s essential to look back at their past performances in major tournaments. Historically, Scotland’s record in European Championships has been less than stellar. Despite passionate support from the Tartan Army, the team has failed to progress beyond the group stages in all of their previous attempts (1992, 1996 & 2020).

However, past performances are not always indicative of future results – the current squad naturally looks to change that history.

The burning question remains: how far can Scotland realistically go in Euro 2024? Last time out they finished 4th in their group, guaranteeing elimination in the group stages. However; with the current format of the tournament seeing a number of 3rd placed teams qualifying, a chance may still present itself even if the Tartan Army don’t quite make the top 2 spots.

It would certainly be a step in the right direction if Scotland can make their first knockout stage appearance at the European Championships this time around.

As Euro 2024 approaches, the anticipation and excitement among Scotland fans is reaching fever pitch. Show your support by wearing these exclusive t-shirts, hoodies & sweatshirts from PunkFootball – after all, No Scotland – No Party!

Ashley