What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Craig Gordon, at age 42, has been selected for the Scotland squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying games against Greece and Belarus. Despite not playing this season for Hearts, Gordon's inclusion reflects Scotland coach Steve Clarke's concerns about the availability of goalkeepers playing regular games. Gordon's return comes after Scotland's promising start in the qualifiers, earning four points without conceding a goal in away games against Denmark and Belarus. The selection also highlights the challenges faced by Scotland in finding goalkeepers with regular club play.
Why It's Important?
Gordon's return to the national team underscores the ongoing challenges in Scotland's goalkeeping options, as other selected goalkeepers are also not playing regularly at their clubs. His experience and leadership are seen as vital for Scotland's efforts to qualify for the World Cup, a tournament they have not participated in since 1998. The decision to include Gordon, despite his lack of recent club play, highlights the reliance on veteran players to guide the team through crucial qualifying matches. This move could influence Scotland's strategy and performance in the upcoming games.
What's Next?
Scotland will face Greece and Belarus in crucial home games, where Gordon's experience will be pivotal. The team aims to continue their strong start in the qualifiers and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Coach Steve Clarke will need to address the goalkeeping situation and ensure that the selected players are prepared for the challenges ahead. The outcome of these matches will significantly impact Scotland's chances of qualifying, and the team will be focused on maintaining their defensive strength while capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
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