.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=70&enable=upscale)
How does the future look for Scotland? It’s a question that is sure to be on the minds of the Tartan Army this week amid the worst ever run of competitive results in the history of the national side.
Steve Clarke has led Scotland to back-to-back European Championships - ending a 23-year wait for a major finals appearance in the process - but a sequence of three draws and five defeats over the last eight competitive matches has erased much of the positive vibes and raised question marks over his tenure.
The performances in the defeats to Poland and Portugal were more encouraging than the lacklustre showing the team produced at Euro 2024, but something has to change if Scotland are to get back to winning ways.
Scotland still have to negotiate their way through the remainder of a tough Nations League group, which also includes Croatia, before embarking on another World Cup qualification campaign for the tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
Clarke has stated that it is unlikely he will remain in post beyond those finals - whether Scotland qualify or not - meaning that a new manager could be at the helm by the time Euro 2028 comes around, with the tournament being jointly hosted by the home nations.
What sort of squad will a future Scotland manager have at his disposal? What could the 24-man pool look like five years down the line? One thing is for sure, there will be new faces with a number retirements from the current squad likely by 2029. Andy Robertson, Zander Clark, Kenny McLean and Grant Hanley will all be nearer 40 than 30 and will likely have hung up their Scotland jerseys by then.
Who are the next generation of talent coming through to replace them? Are there any Scotland Under-21 prospects capable of making the step up. Ben Doak earned his first senior caps off the bench over the past week and others are sure to follow in the years to come.
Here is how we predict a 24-man Scotland squad might look five years down the line with three goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and four strikers ...
5. Nathan Patterson - defender
The Everton full-back would have been the starting right wing-back at Euro 2024 were it not for an untimely injury picked up in April. Probably behind Aaron Hickey in the pecking order but nonetheless a bright young talent who should still be a major part of the Scotland squad in five years time, when he will have turned 27. Photo: Andrew Milligan
6. Kieran Tierney - defender
The Arsenal left-back is one of Scotland's best players when fit but his career is in danger of being derailed by recurring injuries. Will need to prove his fitness on his latest comeback after suffering a hamstring tear at the Euros if he is to have any future at the Emirates. If he can return to the peak of his powers, there is no question he will still be a Scotland player at the age of 32. | Getty Images
7. Josh Doig
Andy Robertson will have most likely retired from international football by the time he hits 35 so we are tipping Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig to take his place in the squad. The former Hibs youngster has impressed over in Italy despite suffering relegation to Serie B last season. He has all the attributes required to be a Scotland squad regular in five years time, when he will be 27. | SNS Group
8. John Souttar - defender
Grant Hanley will be 37 and out of the international picture in five years time. Souttar, however, will be 32, the same age as the Norwich defender is now, and will be hoping to be the defensive linchpin of any future Scotland manager. The Rangers centre-back has had major injury issues in the past but has looked strong and fit in the early part of this season. Keeping his place in the Rangers starting XI will be key to his future international ambitions. | SNS Group