Critics who once labeled Steve Clarke as overly cautious have been noticeably silent in recent weeks.
Upon announcing Scotland’s 26-man roster for the World Cup, Clarke hinted at his strategic shift by including five forwards, suggesting a willingness to employ an attacking duo when the opportunity arises.
Clarke’s intentions were clear during the farewell match against Curacao, where he started Lawrence Shankland and George Hirst together. Later, Lyndon Dykes joined forces with training squad member James Wilson. Shankland’s two goals contributed to a decisive 4-0 victory.
As Scotland prepares to face Haiti in this weekend’s Group C opener, Clarke’s strategy of fielding two strikers is no longer in question. It’s a safe bet that he will adopt an aggressive approach.
This newfound boldness marks a departure from the tentative tactics seen at the start of Euro 2024 against Germany. Clarke appears more confident this time.
Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland scored three goals between them against Bolivia
In contrast to the lackluster performances in the initial match and the disappointing finale against Hungary in Stuttgart, Scotland seems poised to make a significant impact.
While it will be a cold day in hell before one of the survivors of that grim experience criticises the manager for his ultra-cautious approach, the prospect of having more of a go this time around holds considerable appeal.
Adams was asked to play up front on his own in the Allianz. When his legs could give no more, Shankland replaced him. Talk about a thankless task.
Try wiping a smile off the face of the Torino striker now, though, when the prospect of playing up alongside the Rangers man is put to him.
After scoring twice following Shankland’s opener against Bolivia, the pair could scarcely have made a more compelling case to go again in Boston.
‘It was good to play with Lawrence,’ said Adams. ‘He’s a top player and a top finisher.
‘You never know if it’s a partnership that has a future for the tournament. It’s about who the gaffer puts out there to help the team, to hold the ball and score goals. But I think every striker prefers to play alongside another one.
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke chats to Adams during training at their Charlotte base
‘It manages the load a bit more and helps the team press a little bit higher up. But it’s a team game now and everyone has to pull in the same direction.
‘It was different at the Euros, in terms of me trying to lead the line. But throughout qualifying for this World Cup, it’s been amazing. We’ve really been a threat to the opposition.’
Clarke is justified in feeling cautiously optimistic about his side’s chances of making a real mark in the tournament.
Two years ago, his squad for the Euros arrived in Bavaria on the back of iffy results and performances in friendlies.
After gargantuan club seasons, too many players were weary and too many were off the boil.
This time, there’s a sense that the vast majority of them are in the right place. ‘Fantastic problems,’ was how the manager described the selection issues he must now wrestle with.
Adams is a case in point. The 29-year-old had nine goals for club and country as the end of the Italian season drew near, but he netted against Juventus before running Bolivia ragged last weekend. At just the right moment, he’s another who’s bang at it.
‘It’s as confident as I’ve felt,’ he added. ‘Goals help. To win and score against Bolivia is massive going into the World Cup.
‘It’s been alright for me in Italy. I haven’t got as many goals as I wanted but it’s a real experience, playing abroad.
Adams scored for Torino against city rivals Juventus in Serie A before heading off to the States
‘I’m happy to bring that to Scotland. Hopefully, this tournament is coming at the perfect time for us. But it’s up to us to do the magic on the pitch.’
Football is rarely straightforward. But when you compare the respective clubs that the players of Scotland and Haiti play for, the game should go in Clarke’s favour.
With all due respect to the likes of Bastia, El Paso Locomotive and Tatran Presov, they aren’t in the same sporting stratosphere as the litany of big-name sides who count Clarke’s players as theirs.
Adams knows this but makes an important caveat. If Scotland are in any way found wanting psychologically, they’ll be in serious trouble.
‘We’re going into it with a really positive mindset,’ he said. ‘That is one of the strengths within the squad just now. Everyone is together, more than ever.
‘Haiti are a strong team who have picked up some big results. They lost their last game (against Peru) to two set-pieces, so that’s something to keep an eye on.
‘We’re well aware of their counter-attack, but it’s mainly about us and what we can do to hurt them.’
