News Focus
- Scotland return to the World Cup finals after a 28-year absence
- Andy Robertson will captain the 26-man squad in the United States
- The team plays a warm-up friendly against Bolivia this Saturday
- Their tournament opener is against Haiti on June 14 in Boston
- Group stage matches also include clashes with Morocco and Brazil
The Scotland national football team has landed in the United States ahead of the World Cup. The squad departed from Glasgow Airport on Sunday. They will compete at the finals for the first time since 1998.
Manager Steve Clarke named a 26-man group for the tournament. Andy Robertson will wear the captain’s armband. The 32-year-old defender says he still finds it hard to believe he will lead his nation on the biggest stage.
“It is a huge pinch yourself moment,” Robertson told Sky Sports News. He was only four years old when Scotland last appeared at the World Cup. Now he is set to walk onto the pitch as skipper.
The Scots face Bolivia in New Jersey on Saturday. This is their final friendly before the competition begins. After that match, they will travel to their training camp in North Carolina.
Scotland’s first group game takes place on June 14 against Haiti. Kick-off is at 2am UK time in Boston. They will also meet Morocco at the same stadium. Their last group fixture is against Brazil in Miami.
Robertson is trying not to think too far ahead. “I have not allowed my brain to go there yet,” he said about leading the team out. “I will live in that moment when it is the night before the match.”
The captain sent a message to his closest friends in the squad. They have played together since they were children. “Who would have thought we would all go to a World Cup together?” he wrote. “It is a real proud moment.”
The squad includes experienced campaigners and young players. Goalkeepers Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly will compete for a starting place. Defenders such as Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry and Kieran Tierney provide solid cover. Midfielders John McGinn, Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie add strength in the centre. Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland lead the attack.