The Scotland boss has been discussing a number of key topics ahead of a massive year for the national team
Scotland will turn their attention to the latest edition of the UEFA Nations League after making a long-awaited return to the World Cup stage this summer - with their Group B1 opponents now confirmed.
Steve Clarke’s side were drawn against Switzerland, Slovenia and North Macedonia on Thursday evening, with a good showing in the competition required to provide a safety net on the road to Euro 2028 - a tournament which the Scots will co-host.
The Swiss will be familiar opposition to Scotland after drawing 1-1 in Cologne at Euro 2024, while Slovenia last faced off against the Scots during the 2018 World Cup qualification process, with a 1-0 win at Hampden followed by a 2-2 draw in Ljubljana.
It will be the first meeting against North Macedonia since the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, during which both sides contested a 1-1 draw in Glasgow before Scotland ran out narrow 2-1 winners in Skopje.
Giving his reaction to the draw, which took place in Brussels, on BBC Radio 5Live, Clarke said: “We knew whoever we got, it was going to be difficult. The teams are evenly matches. It’s been a good competition for us in the past so we understand the benefit of it.”
Scotland were in League A during the previous Nations League campaign, but suffered relegation following a play-off defeat against Greece over two legs after finishing in third spot.
As part of their co-hosting duties for Euro 2028 alongside England, Wales and Republic of Ireland, UEFA has set aside two places for host nations who fail to get through via the usual qualification process.
Newcastle United star rules out Scotland switch
Meanwhile, Clarke has revealed Newcastle United star Harvey Barnes will NOT be switching allegiance to Scotland before this summer’s World Cup finals.
The 28-year-old winger, who has scored 12 goals for the Magpies this season, has been capped once by England in a friendly back in October 2020 but remains eligible to represent the Scots through his grandparents.
However, Clarke has confirmed Barnes has decided to turn down the opportunity to play his way into the national team set-up after a fresh approach was made to the player earlier this month.
“It’s the perennial questions, everybody keeps asking me about it,” Clarke admitted before stating: “This time I can say for sure, Harvey’s going to concentrate on trying to play for England, he’s not going to come to Scotland.
“You can put that one out there. Nobody needs to ask me or Harvey about it any more. Am I disappointed? No, listen, Harvey can make up his own mind. We move on.”
Steve Clarke confirms location of Scotland’s World Cup base
While the news will disappoint some Tartan Army supporters, they will be pleased to learn that Scotland have finally rubber-stamped their World Cup training base with Charlotte, North Carolina selected as their chosen camp.
The state of the art venue has no fewer than eight outdoor pitches, including five full grass fields, one turf field and one half grass and half turf pitch along with a 2,800 square foot weights room and cafeteria designed for player nutrition.
While North Carolina is situated more than 700 miles away from where Scotland will play their three group stage fixtures in Boston and Miami - meaning flights to and from games against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil are required - the setting should be idyllic for Clarke and his players with no World Cup matches being played in the city.
Quizzed on how his preparations are going, Clarke responded: “It’s moving. Slowly as times, but it’s moving. There was a lot of work to be done travelling around, looking at bases.
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“We have secured Charlotte as a bade for the team and that’s good. The MLS facility there is very good. The hotel FIFA wanted to put us in wasn’t so good, but we have managed to secure an alternative in the city.
“The lads will enjoy it. It’s a good base and it’s a city location, but not overly busy. The facilities there are good and we look forward to working out of Charlotte.”
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