By Fatma Younis
Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is prioritising continuity and a "clean-up" of his side's performances as the team prepares for a decisive Nations League double-header and the looming Euro 2028 qualifying campaign.
Mixed Start for New Coach
Pocognoli's maiden camp delivered a draw away to Slovenia and a 2-0 win in North Macedonia, but ended with a 3-0 home loss to Switzerland after an early red card for Jack Hendry and a sobering 3-0 defeat by Slovenia at Hampden. Captain Andy Robertson said the team were "outfought" and "not good enough" in the latter match.
Squad Changes for Double-Header
The 39-year-old Belgian has recalled Scott McTominay, Che Adams and Kieran Tierney for the upcoming fixtures against North Macedonia and Switzerland, while Rangers left-back James Penrice receives his first senior call-up. Pocognoli insisted there is "no reason to change everything" and stressed the need to balance experimentation with results.
Euro 2028 Qualifying Looms
Scotland sit third in Nations League Group B1 and need at least four points from the final two games to reach the promotion play-offs. Pocognoli described Euro 2028 qualification as "the big job"; the Scots are co-hosts alongside England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, with the qualifying draw set for Belfast on 6 December and matches starting in March 2025.
Penrice Earns Call-Up, Miller Dropped
Penrice's impressive form for Rangers since joining on loan from AEK Athens earned him a place in a system Pocognoli believes he can enhance. Meanwhile, Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller has been omitted again despite a standout debut start in June 2025. Pocognoli suggested Miller is competing in the team's most crowded area and wants to see him deployed higher up the pitch, offering him an Under-21 opportunity to showcase that role.
