Newly appointed Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli prepares to name his first squad on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, ahead of four Nations League B matches. The 39-year-old Belgian faces significant selection choices following Steve Clarke’s departure, with injuries and international moves shaping a new-look roster.
A fresh era for the national team begins this Tuesday morning as Sebastien Pocognoli steps up to reveal his maiden selection. The 39-year-old Belgian inherits a squad in transition following the departure of Steve Clarke, who resigned after Scotland failed to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time during the summer under the former Kilmarnock manager. With an eye on building toward Euro 2028 on British shores, the new coaching staff must navigate a busy autumn schedule featuring four Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia according to regional reporting.
Goalkeeping Dilemmas After Gordon Retirement and Gunn MLS Move
Finding a reliable successor between the posts remains an urgent priority. Craig Gordon has retired, and Liam Kelly has yet to feature for Rangers this season, leaving the goalkeeping department short on experienced match practice as noted by football analysts. Angus Gunn served as the primary choice at the World Cup despite a lack of club action at Nottingham Forest, and he has since moved across the Atlantic to join San Jose Earthquakes in MLS.
While Gunn has been playing regularly—including earning man-of-the-match honors in a 1-0 victory over Houston Dynamo—he has conceded 21 goals across 10 league appearances according to league statistics. Alternative domestic candidates include Scott Bain, who has started every Premiership fixture for Falkirk, though a recent error at Celtic Park could weigh against him alongside his club’s slow start. Uncapped Jon McCracken has impressed at Bradford in English League One with six clean sheets in nine games, while Partick Thistle loanee Liam McFarlane remains an option after keeping four clean sheets in five Championship matches.
Defensive Rebuilding and Injury Concerns Across the Backline
Defensive depth faces immediate strain. Grant Hanley is managing a hip injury that kept him out of Hibernian’s League Cup win at Ross County, while John Souttar has not made a matchday bench for Rangers this season due to a lack of playing time. These absences open paths for fresh faces to stake a claim as the new manager evaluates options to defend higher up the pitch.
At left-back, captain Andy Robertson starts weekly for Tottenham Hotspur, and Kieran Tierney remains available following his involvement for Celtic. Sassuolo defender Josh Doig is also pushing for a recall after a strong start in Italy according to Italian football reports. On the right, Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson provide established Premier League and Serie A experience, while teenage defender Colby Donovan has broken into Celtic’s first team ahead of Anthony Ralston.
Midfield Vacancies and Uncapped Attackers Push for Inclusion
The central engine room must adjust to a major absence. Talismanic midfielder Scott McTominay underwent a minor heart procedure, ruling him out of the fixtures and creating a vacancy in the team’s most competitive sector. Meanwhile, Billy Gilmour is in line for a return after missing the World Cup due to a knee injury following full 90-minute performances in the Champions League against Arsenal and in Serie A against Bologna.
Up front, injuries to Lawrence Shankland—who underwent surgery for a torn hamstring—force changes to the attacking selection alongside McTominay’s absence. Uncapped striker Robbie Ure is expected to earn a call-up, and Heart of Midlothian head coach Wouter Vrancken expressed confidence that several players from Gorgie would make the cut after strong performances from the club’s front three and wingers.
Nations League Opener Against Slovenia Approaches
Pocognoli will put his new tactical approach into action when Scotland travels for a training camp in La Manga before heading to Ljubljana to face Slovenia on Saturday, September 26. The match marks the official start of the Nations League B campaign, followed three days later by a fixture against Switzerland at Hampden Park.