Scotland’s national team manager, Steve Clarke, made the decision to exclude veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon from the squad for Euro 2024. This announcement came after Scotland’s final warm-up match against Finland, where Gordon made history by becoming his country’s oldest international player at the age of 41. Despite this milestone, Gordon’s omission raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
In a post-match press conference, Clarke explained his reasons for leaving out Gordon, citing his lack of regular playing time and the emergence of younger goalkeepers. Gordon’s injury at the end of 2022 had sidelined him for a significant period, and although he made a comeback in January, he struggled to reclaim his starting spot at Hearts. With only seven appearances since December 2022, Clarke felt that Gordon’s form and match fitness were not up to the required standard for a major tournament like the Euros.
Gordon was informed of his exclusion the night before the squad announcement, but he still opted to be on the bench for the Finland game. His appearance in the match marked his 75th cap for Scotland, a testament to his long and illustrious international career. Clarke described his conversation with Gordon as emotional, acknowledging the goalkeeper’s disappointment at being left out. Despite the difficult decision, Gordon displayed professionalism and commitment by staying with the team for one last game.
With Gordon’s absence, younger goalkeepers like Zander Clark, Angus Gunn, and Liam Kelly have been called up to represent Scotland in Euro 2024. Clarke’s decision to focus on the future of the team by including emerging talents reflects his vision for sustained success in the long term. While Gordon’s experience and leadership will be missed, the new faces in the squad bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the national team.
Scotland’s upcoming campaign in Euro 2024 will be a test of their strength and resilience against top European teams. Drawn in Group A alongside hosts Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary, the Scots will face tough competition as they aim to progress to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. The absence of Gordon may have raised questions, but Clarke’s faith in the squad’s depth and potential suggests that Scotland is ready to take on the challenge.
While Craig Gordon’s exclusion from Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad may have come as a surprise to many, it underscores the manager’s commitment to building a competitive and dynamic team for the future. Gordon’s contribution to Scottish football will always be remembered, but the focus now shifts to the new generation of players who will carry the nation’s hopes in the upcoming tournament. As Scotland prepares to face Europe’s best on the grand stage, the absence of a veteran like Gordon may pave the way for a new chapter in the team’s history, filled with promise and determination.