Steve Clarke ‘committed’ to Scotland job despite group stage exit

Scotland’s disappointing exit

The opening day defeat to the Czech Republic was a big hit to the confidence of the Scotland squad who saw the game as an opportunity to get a good start as they looked to progress beyond the group stage of an international tournament.

However two strikes, including a wonder goal from Patrik Schick, saw those hopes quickly begin to look very difficult.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JUNE 14: Patrik Schick of Czech Republic celebrates after scoring their side’s second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between Scotland v Czech Republic at Hampden Park on June 14, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Petr Josek – Pool/Getty Images)

With England to come and Croatia last, a result was needed at Wembley and they got it. Despite all of England’s quality, Scotland were arguably the better side at the London ground and came away with a 0-0 which could have easily fallen in the Scot’s favour with some more clinical finishing.

This then put all of the pressure on the last game against Croatia and when Callum McGregor scored an equaliser to make it 1-1, there was hope the momentum had shifted to Clarke’s side.

However, a brilliant goal from Luka Modric and a final strike from Ivan Perisic meant that the Scottish dream was over.

Clarke ‘committed’

Clarke is seen to have done a great job getting Scotland to the Euros and his stock has certainly risen. Many clubs could be looking to poach Clarke.

However, Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell has said that Clarke is ‘committed’ to staying with the national side.

“He was disappointed. But he’s very focussed on learning from it,” Maxwell said.

“He’s going to take a bit of time – he deserves a bit of a break to get his head around everything that has happened.

“We’ll sit down and make an assessment. His words were, ‘I’m going to take a bit of time and then I’ve got September to prepare for’.”

Quotes from BBC Scotland.

Scotland are currently 2nd in their World Cup qualifying group on 5 points having drawn with Austria and Israel and beaten the Faroe Islands.

Clarke will now be focused on trying to qualify his team for the next major tournament.

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