Clarke ‘never considered’ quitting Scotland as he aims for World Cup

Steve Clarke never considered quitting Scotland in the aftermath of the disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.

The manager has now turned his attention towards guiding the national team to the next World Cup which will be held across North America in 2026.

Clarke’s team selection and tactics in Germany were criticised after two defeats and a draw led to a group-stage exit earlier this summer.

He is now preparing for the first games since the Euros and named his squad for the Nations League games against Poland and Portugal on Tuesday.

And he insists the chance to qualify to qualify for the tournament held in the USA, Mexico and Canada is all the motivation he needs to keep going.

Speaking to the media following the announcement he revealed he never pondered walking away and when asked why he felt compelled to stay on, Clarke, who has two years left on his current contract, said: “I’ve always said I’d love to go to a World Cup with my country.

“I’ve got a group of players that are determined to go to a World Cup with their country, and for some of them it will be their last chance.

“There’s your motivation there.”

Scotland haven’t been to a World Cup since France 98 and Clarke is hoping he can be the manager to break that duck after ending a long wait to qualify for a major tournament with back-to-back Euro appearances.

He qualified for both Euro 2020, which was the nation’s first European Championships since 1996, and Germany this summer, but failed to win a single game from six, recording two draws and four defeats.