Scotland: Where do they go from here?

Whilst the majority of media focus following the events at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening has been centred around England’s heartbreak and the absence of Team GB at next year’s Paris Olympics, what has not been as well documented is the fact that it was yet another defeat and disappointing performance for Scotland.

Yet, the way that they allowed England to run all over them will have disheartened so many watching in the stands and at home, given the pride that they feel at competing at this level, and there have understandably been plenty of questions aimed in head coach Pedro Martínez Losa’s direction following their overall dismal Nations League campaign.

It is worth remembering that he has had some bad luck, with a number of injuries to key players to content with, but there is no doubt that poor tactics and constant changes to their shape have not helped matters, and they fall squarely at the head coach’s door in any club.

Martínez Losa only signed a new deal just before the tournament which would take him through to the 2027 World Cup, but a vastly underwhelming series of matches has now left him under serious pressure from the wider fanbase, with many now wondering if he is the right person to lead the team or whether fresh ideas are required.

Defensive issues

The area of Scotland’s play that has attracted the most attention during the fallout has been their defending, with some of the goals and chances that have been conceded being created far too easily and opponents not having to work too hard for their opportunities.