The selection follows a World Cup exit that led to Steve Clarke’s resignation.
Sebastien Pocognoli, Scotland’s newly appointed head coach, has named a 28-player squad for the Nations League B campaign, featuring seven uncapped players and a mix of veterans. The group includes Sevilla forward Robbie Ure, 22, who earned his first international call-up after a prolific spell with Swedish club Sirius that secured a 6.5 million euros ($7.5 million) transfer to Spain.
Squad Rebuild Amid World Cup Disappointment
Pocognoli’s selection reflects a deliberate shift from the squad that exited the 2026 World Cup at the group stage, a failure that prompted Steve Clarke’s resignation despite a four-year contract extension.
Oli McBurnie: New Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli recalls
Injury and Roster Context
Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, 29, is unavailable, having recently had minor heart surgery. Grant Hanley has recently returned to fitness at Hibernian, while Rangers defender John Souttar has not played this season amid reports linking him with Aris Thessaloniki. Defenders Dominic Hyam and Anthony Ralston, midfielder Tyler Fletcher, and forwards Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, and Ross Stewart miss out. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon has retired, and several other players were excluded from the squad.
Pocognoli’s Vision: Experimentation and Ambition
Pocognoli, a former Belgium defender, has signaled a focus on experimentation, aiming to “try things” while maintaining ambition in the Nations League. The coach acknowledged the challenge of integrating new players, saying, I don’t want to convince players. They need to be open to representing in the natural way, the country. We’ll see in the future.
The Nations League campaign holds particular significance as Scotland co-hosts Euro 2028 with England, Ireland, and Wales. UEFA has reserved two spots for host nations not qualifying directly, adding pressure on Pocognoli to deliver results. The coach also addressed speculation about including Scotland-qualified players like Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes and Everton’s Hayden Hackney, stating, I’m aware of everything and about the feeling of everybody,
but emphasizing that decisions depend on “timing.”
Scotland call for Sevilla forward Robbie Ure in post-World
Ure’s Call-Up and the Road Ahead
Robbie Ure’s inclusion marks a pivotal moment for the squad, as his move to Sevilla followed a standout season with Sirius. Meanwhile, Pocognoli faces the challenge of integrating young talent like Josh McPake and other emerging players.
The coach’s approach has drawn attention to his previous roles, including a stint at Monaco. Yet, the immediate focus is on the Nations League, where Scotland must navigate a group featuring World Cup quarterfinalists Switzerland.
The first Nations League B matches are scheduled for September 26 against Slovenia, followed by a home game against Switzerland on September 29, a trip to North Macedonia on October 3, and a home tie with Slovenia on October 6. Pocognoli will take charge of Scotland for the first time on September 26 in the Nations League B opener at Hampden Park.