Scotland has included 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon in its World Cup squad, marking a significant moment as he joins teammates who were not born when he made his national team debut in 2004. Coach Steve Clarke announced the 26-man squad on Tuesday for Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years, with Gordon among three goalkeepers who have collectively participated in only four league matches this season.
Gordon’s Historic Opportunity
If Gordon plays in North America, he would become the second-oldest player in World Cup history, following Egypt’s Essam El Hadary, who was 45 during the 2018 tournament.
Gordon has made three appearances for Heart of Midlothian this January but has faced shoulder injuries. His fellow goalkeepers, Angus Gunn of Nottingham Forest and Liam Kelly of Rangers, have also struggled for playing time at their clubs.
Clarke expressed confidence in the trio, stating, “As long as goalkeepers are working to their maximum in training, you feel that they can come in and play for a number of games.”
He further remarked, “We got good reports back from Hearts. Craig assures us he’s fully fit. And he deserves to go because he played a part of the qualifying campaign.”
Young Talent in the Squad
Clarke has also selected promising young players, including 20-year-old Ben Gannon-Doak from Bournemouth and 19-year-old Findlay Curtis, who has shown impressive form while on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers.
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland is expected to lead the attack when Scotland begins its World Cup journey against Haiti on June 14 in Boston.
Scotland has historically struggled in World Cup tournaments, failing to progress beyond the group stage in its eight previous attempts. After facing Haiti, the team will play Morocco in Boston and conclude the group stage against Brazil in Miami on June 24.
Midfield Strength and Notable Omissions
Scott McTominay from Napoli leads a robust midfield contingent featuring players from Italian clubs, although 19-year-old Lennon Miller of Udinese, anticipated to be included, was not selected.
Clarke mentioned having “five very difficult conversations” with players who participated in warm-up games but were ultimately not chosen for the final squad.
“I think because Lennon is so young, probably the most difficult,” he added.
The defensive lineup includes Rangers’ John Souttar, whose brother Harry Souttar is set to represent Australia in his second consecutive World Cup, and Dom Hyam of Wrexham.
Andy Robertson, the experienced Liverpool left-back, will serve as the team’s captain as he prepares to leave Anfield after the season.
Scotland’s World Cup Squad Overview
The squad consists of goalkeepers Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Craig Gordon (Heart of Midlothian), and Liam Kelly (Rangers).
Defenders include Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Kieran Tierney (Celtic), Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), John Souttar (Rangers), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), and Anthony Ralston (Celtic).
Midfielders selected are Scott McTominay (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), and Findlay Curtis (Rangers).
The forward lineup features Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton), Ché Adams (Torino), George Hirst (Ipswich), and Ross Stewart (Southampton).