What are Clarke’s big calls for Brazil? And who would you pick?

June 24, 2026 No Comments

What are Clarke’s big calls for Brazil? And who would you pick?Image source, PA MediaByThomas DuncanBBC Sport ScotlandPublished6 hours agoScotland meet Brazil on Wednesday in what could be the most significant match in the history of the men’s national side.A draw would be enough to reach the knockout stages of a major finals for the first time, and even a narrow loss could be enough to progress from Group C.As a result, it is the biggest game of Steve Clarke’s seven-year stint as head coach. So what are the key decisions he has to make? And what would you do?Scotland v BrazilFifa World Cup24/06/2026 at 23:00 BSTMiami StadiumWatch on iPlayer

Live on BBC One and iPlayer, BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 5 Live. Follow live text updates on BBC Sport app and website.

Should Gannon-Doak start?

Bournemouth winger Ben Gannon-Doak has been Scotland’s most dangerous player in a World Cup campaign low on attacking output.

After playing 75 minutes against Haiti, the 20-year-old came on after an hour of the defeat by Morocco and ended up with the most crosses (three) of any Scotland player.

Clarke has questioned the former Celtic player’s defensive contribution. Plus his lack of game time due to injury this season meant he had to come off with cramp against Haiti – and he is unlikely to last a full game in sweltering Miami.

So should he start? Or keep his role as an impact player, as in the game against Morocco?

Former Hibernian and Celtic midfielder Scott Allan told the Scottish Football Podcast: “My biggest concern is we just don’t create enough chances.

“Unless Gannon-Doak is on the pitch, we don’t look like we’re going to hit the byline and get a cross in the box.”

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Does Hanley keep his place?

Centre-back Grant Hanley was at fault for Morocco’s goal in the second minute, when he stepped up to play Ismael Saibari offside, but instead allowing the forward in behind to score.

Hanley has been a key figure for Clarke with his experience, aerial ability and consistency. But, if Scott McKenna has recovered from his calf issue, he could come into contention?

Former Motherwell and Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday suggested on the Scottish Football Podcast that the Dinamo Zagreb man should.

“McKenna would come in for me because I think we need a lot more athleticism at the back than Hanley can give you,” he mentioned. “He’s been a fantastic servant for Scotland – 70 caps. But I think there’s better options to play that role.”

Allan, though, would retain Hanley alongside Jack Hendry, adding: “As much as think Hanley was poor for the first goal against Morocco, after that he did okay. He recovered quite well, defended quite well when crosses came in the box.”

Does it matter if Scotland lose and still make history?
Name the seven Scotland survivors from Clarke’s first squad
How sweltering Scotland can handle World Cup heat

McLean makes case

Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie came in to bolster Scotland’s midfield against Morocco, but Kenny McLean replaced him on 71 minutes and made an impact.

Allan believes the Norwich City midfielder helped turn the game with his clever use of the ball as Scotland finished the stronger side.

“We need a lot better use of that midfielder when you are in that low block,” he mentioned.

“Kenny is probably the best player there for taking a touch and then looking to find a pass forward quickly.”

Get in touch

Send your views on the Scotland football team

Contact form

Is this a game for Dykes?

Che Adams has started up front in both games but has managed only three touches in the opposition box.

Clearly, that is not all down to the Torino striker, as service has been limited – plus he was involved in Scotland’s solitary goal against Haiti and might have forced a red card against Morocco.

“Adams can play on the last line, which is important if you’re trying to turn the ball over and you’re trying to hit the space quickly,” Halliday mentioned.

“I just don’t think Lyndon Dykes has got the the pace anymore to play on that last line and to get on the end of things.”

If Brazil are set to dominate possession and Scotland are forced to clear the ball long, is Dykes’ aerial presence more attractive? He won one of his four aerial duels when replacing Adams, who won none from three, against Morocco.

“The way Clarke will look at it is, if you are under pressure and you have to clear long at times, you get more chance of recovering a second ball if it’s going up to Dykes because he’s got that spring and he’s decent in the air,” Allan mentioned.