Scotland return to competitive action for the first time in 2025 tonight, as they travel to Piraeus to take on Greece in the first leg of the Nations League play-off.
Once the Tartan Army’s Nations League destiny is decided though, Steve Clarke will begin the task of preparing his side for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, beginning in September, as he looks to lead his side back to their first World Cup for almost 30 years - and why not?
The team has not qualified for a World Cup since 1998, but recent performances, including qualification for back-to-back European Championships, suggest a squad capable of competing at a high level, and fans are finally believing that Clarke’s squad can not only make it to major tournaments regularly - but they feel they can also compete.
We asked AI tool ‘Grok’ for a little bit of help, and this is what it thinks Scotland’s starting line up would look like if they qualify for next year’s tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico after analysing current players, emerging talents, and the tactical preferences of Clarke.
17. Substitute: Craig Gordon
The final surprise from Grok...the veteran Hearts stopper makes it to the tournament at the ripe age of 43. Should this come to fruition, he would become the second oldest player to ever play at a World Cup. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group