Scotland Aims to Conquer Spain Once Again: Assistant John Carver Voices Confidence for Euro 2024 Qualifying

Scotland could potentially secure qualification for Euro 2024 in Spain on Thursday evening, as assistant coach John Carver cautions that they must perform exceptionally well to defeat the Spanish team once more. In a remarkable turn of events, Steve Clarke's team astounded Spain at Hampden Park in March when Scott McTominay's two goals propelled them to a memorable triumph.

They only need a draw in Seville to guarantee their place in Germany next summer but they have to do it against a side who have scored 13 goals in their last two qualifiers.

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Steve Clarke and John Carver took Scotland to Euro 2020

Carver expressed the need for additional effort when playing away from home due to the clear improvement of their opponents. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the same attitude, commitment, organization, and defensive philosophy, while also aiming to launch counter-attacks when necessary.

The Spaniards were unimpressed following their loss in Glasgow, as Manchester City midfielder Rodri criticized Scotland's style of play as "terrible."

Carver believes that will have the Scots fired up just as much for this match.

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Spain's Rodri was frustrated by the Scotland defeat

"I didn't like it, I thought it was disrespectful but it was their prerogative to say whatever they wanted to say," he added.

"It agitated me and I'm sure it would have got to some of the players.

It has been quite some time since then, and it is crucial to approach this game with a focused mindset. Therefore, I believe it will not pose as a distraction.

Ryan Jack has decided to withdraw from the Scotland squad due to an injury he sustained during a match against Aberdeen. In addition to Jack, Manager Steve Clarke is without defender Kieran Tierney who is also injured. However, Clarke has chosen not to call up a replacement player.

How can Scotland reach Euro 2024?

Scotland will qualify for Euro 2024 next Thursday if they avoid defeat to Spain in Seville, or if Norway fail to beat Cyprus on the same night.

If Scotland's results do not turn out favorable, they can still secure qualification on October 15 if Spain does not suffer a defeat against Norway.

Even if Clarke's team enters the qualifiers next month without securing a spot at the Euros, they are aware that a victory in Georgia on November 16 will suffice.

Scotland are top of group A with five wins from five, and are six points clear of Spain who have played one game fewer.

Scotland Squad

Defenders: Liam Cooper, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Ryan Porteous, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, and Greg Taylor.

Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Lewis Ferguson, Billy Gilmour, Ryan Jack, John McGinn, Callum McGregor, Kenny McLean, and Scott McTominay.

Forwards: Ryan Christie, Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Jacob Brown, Kevin Nisbet.

No talks with Barnes and Anderson

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Elliot Anderson withdrew from the last Scotland squad

Clarke admitted he was "nowhere" with the possibility of Newcastle pair Harvey Barnes and Elliot Anderson being involved.

Whitley Bay native Anderson expressed his desire to take more time to contemplate his future in international football. This decision came after he left the previous Scotland camp prematurely, shortly after receiving his first call-up to the senior squad.

English player Barnes, who has represented England, was rumored to be contemplating switching his allegiance. However, last week he was forced to abandon this idea due to a three-month foot injury.

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Harvey Barnes was injured while in action for Newcastle against Sheffield Utd

Clarke said: "I haven't spoken to Harvey for a long time, so nothing on that one.

Similar to Elliot, I have not had any communication with him since he left the last camp. I have not chosen him for this camp, but instead, I am focusing on working with the players we currently have. Clarke did not completely disregard the possibility of selecting Anderson again, stating that it would depend on whether or not Anderson decides to play for England. However, Clarke emphasized that Elliot is a young player and needs time and space to make his important international decision.

Scotland's upcoming fixtures

October 17: France (a), friendly, 8pm

November 16: Georgia (a), Euro 2024 qualifier, kick-off 5pm

November 19: Norway (h), Euro 2024 qualifier, kick-off 7.45pm