I still remember that rainy night at Hampden Park back in November 2020 when Scotland finally qualified for their first major tournament in 23 years. The atmosphere was electric, yet there was this profound sense of collective relief mixed with exhaustion. As one veteran fan shouted to me through the downpour, "Reminiscing all those good and bad memories together, it's been tough." That single sentence perfectly captures the emotional rollercoaster that has defined Scottish football's journey – a narrative of persistent struggle punctuated by moments of glorious triumph that make all the suffering worthwhile.
Looking back at the transformation under Steve Clarke's management, the statistics speak volumes about our progress. When Clarke took over in 2019, Scotland's FIFA ranking had plummeted to 44th globally, but within just 18 months, we climbed to an impressive 23rd position – our highest placement since 2007. The real turning point came during the Euro 2020 qualification playoffs, where we defeated Serbia in that nerve-shredding penalty shootout. I'll never forget David Marshall's heroic save that sent us through – the entire nation seemed to erupt simultaneously. That victory wasn't just about qualifying; it represented a psychological breakthrough for a team that had carried the weight of decades of disappointment. The subsequent Euro 2020 tournament saw us hold England to a gritty 0-0 draw at Wembley – a result that felt like a victory given our historical struggles against the Auld Enemy. Though we didn't progress from the group stage, the performances demonstrated a newfound resilience that had been missing for generations.
The Nations League campaigns have been particularly revealing of our growth. Finishing top of League B Group 1 in 2022, ahead of Ukraine and Ireland, showcased our ability to consistently compete against quality opposition. What impressed me most was how Clarke developed a distinct tactical identity – that compact 3-5-2 formation that makes us incredibly difficult to break down while allowing our creative players like John McGinn and Andrew Robertson to flourish. McGinn's contribution has been phenomenal, scoring 7 crucial goals during the Euro 2024 qualification cycle. Speaking of which, our qualification for Euro 2024 in Germany represents another massive step forward – making it two consecutive European Championships after that 23-year absence. The 2-0 victory over Spain in March 2023 particularly stands out, with Scott McTominay's brace demonstrating that we can not only compete with but actually defeat football's traditional powerhouses.
However, let's be honest about the challenges that remain. Our World Cup qualification record remains disappointing – we haven't reached the finals since 1998, and our failure to qualify for Qatar 2022 despite a strong start was particularly gut-wrenching. The depth of our squad still concerns me, especially in central defense where we're heavily reliant on players approaching the twilight of their careers. Kieran Tierney's recurring injury problems highlight our vulnerability to key absences – when he's unavailable, our entire defensive structure seems less secure. Financially, we're operating at a significant disadvantage compared to other European nations, with the Scottish Premier League's revenue of approximately £35 million annually paling in comparison to England's Premier League, which generates over £5 billion. This economic disparity makes developing and retaining top talent an ongoing battle.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup qualifications and beyond, I'm genuinely optimistic about our prospects. The emergence of young talents like Billy Gilmour and Nathan Patterson provides exciting options, while our improved seeding means we should avoid the nightmare draws that hampered previous campaigns. The expansion to 48 teams for the 2026 World Cup increases our chances significantly – UEFA will have 16 slots available compared to the current 13. Personally, I believe we need to focus on developing more goal-scoring options beyond Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes, perhaps by giving more opportunities to promising youngsters like Ben Doak. Our style of play could also benefit from becoming more proactive against smaller nations – we've sometimes been guilty of being too cautious in matches we should be dominating.
What truly gives me confidence though is the cultural shift I've witnessed around the national team. The connection between players and fans feels stronger than I can remember in my lifetime. When you hear current players talk about what representing Scotland means to them, there's an authenticity that was sometimes missing during the darker periods. The atmosphere at Hampden Park has transformed from hopeful anxiety to genuine expectation – and that psychological change matters at the highest level. We're building something sustainable here, not just enjoying a temporary purple patch. The infrastructure improvements, particularly at the youth development level, are starting to bear fruit, though we're still probably 3-5 years away from seeing the full benefits.
As we prepare for Euro 2024, I find myself reflecting on how far we've come. That fan's comment about tough memories resonates because the struggles make these successes sweeter. We're no longer the plucky underdogs hoping for a lucky break – we're a properly organized team that deserves to be competing at major tournaments. The journey hasn't been smooth, but perhaps that's what makes it so meaningful. With continued smart management and the passionate support that defines Scottish football, I believe our best moments may still be ahead of us. The foundation has been laid – now it's about building something that lasts.