Euros

THE excitement for Euro 2024 is getting real with the big kick-off edging ever closer.And it’s all feeling a bit more real now too as Scotland’s heroes arrive at their hotel.Steve Clarke arrives at the team’s Glasgow hotelCredit: Kenny RamsayKieran Tierney and James Forrest arriveCredit: Kenny RamsayScott McTominay was all smiles amid injury fearsCredit: Kenny RamsayBen Doak is in the senior squad for the very first timeCredit: Kenny RamsayRangers hero Ryan Jack was a shock inclusion in the squadCredit: Kenny RamsaySteve Clarke announced his preliminary 28-man squad for the showpiece in Germany last week and now it’s time for the players to get together.The Scotland boss will have to whittle that squad down to 26 names before the tournament gets underway.But before that, his hopeful stars will have a chance to show what they can do and stake a claim when Scotland face Gibraltar on Monday.The Tartan Army will then give the players a huge send-off at Hampden against Finland on Friday, June 7 – the same day final squads have to be confirmed.The Scots will take on Gibraltar in Portugal on Monday evening, but before they jet out, the squad have arrived from all over to gather for the first time ahead of the Euros.SunSport were there to see Clarke and the players check-in to Glasgow’s swanky Blythswood Hotel on Wednesday afternoon.Among those arriving was Ben Doak.The 18-year old Liverpool wonderkid was the wildcard name in Clarke’s squad and he’s reporting for senior Scotland duty for the first time.Most read in FootballIt was SunSport who told you first that Doak was being considered for a stunning call-up.Rangers star Ryan Jack was the shock inclusion in the squad given the fact he hasn’t kicked a competitive ball in months.Scotland fans unveil ‘biggest’ Hampden tifo panning across THREE STANDS as Tartan Army show incredible supportThe 32-year old endured another injury hit season and hasn’t featured for the Light Blues since early March.Billy Gilmour, fresh from his appearance in Men’s Health, arrived in a fetching Adidas tracksuit.Kieran Tierney and James Forrest, the latter back in the Scotland setup for the first time since the last Euros, arrived together with Celtic hero Forrest spotted clutching a bin bag.All four goalkeepers – Craig Gordon, Zander Clark, Liam Kelly and Angus Gunn – are there.Also arriving was Scott McTominay.He picked up a knock in late April that led to fears he could be a doubt for the finals.But he was fit to feature for Man Utd in their stunning 2-1 FA Cup Final win over rivals City, but hobbled off at the end to be replaced by Mason Mount.He also appeared to be moving gingerly on holiday in Ibiza.Lyndon Dykes showed-off yet another new hairdoCredit: Kenny RamsayCraig Gordon will be the oldest player at the finals if he’s selectedCredit: Kenny RamsayLawrence Shankland heads into the summer in great formCredit: Kenny RamsayBut McTominay has allayed those injury fears by now by reporting for Scotland duty as expected – all smiles in the process.Lyndon Dykes was spotted arriving too – with yet ANOTHER new hairdo.He popped up at the Open Goal Live event last week with a DRASTIC hair change, appearing to channel one of David Beckham’s iconic hairstyles from the early 2000s.The QPR frontman was seen sporting braids.However, those were gone and Dykes was instead seen with longer, flowing locks as he arrived at the Glasgow hotel.Lawrence Shankland, Grant Hanley and Ross McCrorie were among the other stars pictured checking-in.The footie aces aren’t the only big names at the hotel.READ MORE SUN STORIESRap superstar Nicki Minaj is also in town ahead of her huge gig at the OVO Hydro.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

FROM Total Football to total collapse.Scotland were awesome at times in the Johan Cruyff Amsterdam ArenA.Wout Weghorst celebrates after scoring the Netherlands’ third goalCredit: GettyIt was a tough night for Steve Clarke’s menCredit: EPALawrence Shankland hit the crossbar in the second halfCredit: Kenny RamsayBut the deadly Dutch showed Steve Clarke’s side what top level finishing looks like.The Tartan Army were treated to some brilliant football from their heroes.And the men in dark blue created chance after chance to score.But Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands showed the difference between hope and reality.Clarke talked about how his side needed to step up against top level opposition like this as they prepare for Germany, Switzerland and Hungary at the Euros.What he got was another result which underlines where the improvement must come.He pointed to the positives after this defeat which means it’s now six games without a victory and, it’s true, it was a travesty Scotland were behind at the break.There was so, so much to enjoy and admire about the way Clarke’s side passed and moved the ball all over the pitch.Confident and brave in possession. Aggressive in winning it back.I got huge one-off payment when I made Rangers debut at 17 – I didn’t play well but must’ve been top paid star in BritainThe five-man defence squeezed the game almost to the halfway line when the midfield and forwards pressed.It was like they came to Amsterdam to get high.Almost to a man, they played with so much belief with Holland chasing shadows at times.Billy Gilmour was running the show.His crisp touch and wing-mirror awareness was just on a different level to anyone else on the park. An early booking for Scott McTominay made life difficult for the Manchester United man.But Scotland genuinely dictated the game in there.There were chances too and one outstanding save that prevented Clarke’s side taking the lead after 17 minutes.Gilmour burst down the right and clipped a cross into the box for Ryan Christie to attack.When he made good contact, it looked like his header would have the beating of goalkeeper Mark Flekken.But somehow the Brentford No1 reached out a hand to push the ball onto the crossbar and keep it from hitting the net.Even then, Lawrence Shankland was inches away from getting the next touch and prodding home.The 2400 away fans were up out their seats on second, back down to earth the next.Reijnders with a rocket to give the Dutch the lead! 🇳🇱It’s been a strong first half showing from Scotland, who’ll be disappointed to have conceded before the break 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿#NEDSCO pic.twitter.com/ulq1OxdHvW— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 22, 2024

At that stage, the Dutch support were so unimpressed with what they were seeing from their team they started doing a Mexican wave to entertain themselves.It was all going so well for Scotland and hugely encouraging.But then came the moment when Clarke was given a timely reminder that top level teams don’t need to be performing at their best to produce something out of nothing.That’s the difference when it’s class opposition like the Netherlands.For all Scotland were outstanding for 40 minutes, and by far the most dangerous looking team, they never panicked.Could Angus Gunn have done better to keep out the shot from AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders?That one is open for debate. But whatever anyone thinks, it was some hit from 25 yards and you have to credit the Dutchman for getting everything behind it.It was just such a hard one to take for Scotland given how much they’d put into the game until that point.They really didn’t deserve to be behind at the break and, if anything, should have gone in ahead.Clarke had to emphasis the positives in the away changing room before the second half.There was a big moment after the restart when Gunn made an outstanding save to prevent the Dutch going 2-0 ahead.Memphis Depay looked certain to score from inside the box after breaking free from Jack Hendry but Gunn got down low to his left to keep it out.There were still opportunities for Scotland too, though.McTominay got into a great position but just didn’t seem to sense the chance was there for him to burst the net, and didn’t get his shot away quickly enough.John McGinn had a blast at goal, forcing a good stop from Flekken, with Ryan Christie flashing a header wide.Gilmour also had an attempt which was deflected wide for a corner.Then there was the best one of all, the Shankland chance on the hour mark that had Scotland supporters everywhere holding their head in their hands.You would have put your house on the Hearts striker scoring after McTominay robbed Mats Wieffer to put him through one-on-one with the goalkeeper.Shankland’s touch was good, he looked like he had everything under control.This was his big moment to show why he’s cut out for the big games. But unfortunately for him, he put too much on his shot and the ball crashed off the crossbar and went over the top.The dejection and disappointment was written all over Shankland’s face when he was substituted six minutes later.And Gini Wijnaldum doubles the Netherlands’ lead! 🇳🇱A very good Scottish performance on many fronts but they are being made to pay for not translating their pressure into goals 😔#NEDSCO pic.twitter.com/UWhlnY4Jfj— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 22, 2024

But he should hold his head high for the effort he put in.The Dutch were just far more clinical when it mattered with their second goal coming after 72 minutes. This time a cross from the left was headed home by Georginio Wijbnaldum.Even then, Scotland kept threatening to score.McTominay beat the turf in frustration after missing the target with a header as another opportunity went begging.It was another escape for the Dutch but they weren’t finished showing how it should be done.The changes Clarke made didn’t help.In 84 minutes Wout Weghorst made it 3-0 with another pinpoint header with the fourth coming just two minutes later from Donnell Malen.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

TICKET sales for Scotland’s Euro 2024 matches have been delayed just an hour before they were due to start after a major blunder.Scotland Supporters Club members were supposed to be able to start getting their hands on the gold dust briefs this lunchtime – but they’re going to have to wait a little bit longer.
The Euro 2024 draw took place last weekendCredit: AFP
Scotland will take on Germany inside the iconic Allianz ArenaCredit: Getty
Scotland fans were already facing a battle for ticketsCredit: Kenny Ramsay
Access codes have been sent out to fans who aren’t yet eligibleCredit: Getty
While the general ticketing window got underway back in October, the official Scotland Supporters Club allocation is due to be purchased this week.
The Scottish FA has been allocated around 10,000 tickets for each Euro 2024 group match in Germany.
Scotland will face the hosts in the showpiece opening match in Munich before taking on Switzerland and Hungary.
The supporters club’s ticket window was due to open at 12pm today, December 6.

However, a huge error has meant it’s had to be postponed.
SSC members were due to receive a special access code, giving them the right to purchase tickets.
This is done using the loyal points system which decides who’s eligible to apply for the briefs.
For the initial window due to open today, fans sitting on 12 or more points were to be given a 24-hour guaranteed window to buy tickets for each group stage match.
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However, a blunder has mean that ticket codes have been sent out to members who are NOT yet eligible to buy tickets.
And it means today’s ticket sale has been AXED – with the SFA later confirming that tickets will finally go on sale at noon on Wednesday December 7.
The SFA have had to apologise for the nightmare – with Uefa called in to help resolve it.
A statement released via the Scotland Supporters Club said: “Due to a technical error, Uefa Euro 2004 codes have been sent out to Scotland Supporters Club members who are not eligible to buy tickets at this stage.
“As a result of this error, the sale scheduled for 12 noon will be delayed until further notice while we liaise with Uefa to resolve the issue.
“The Scottish FA would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to supporters at this time. We will communicate further information on the sales schedule as soon as it is available.”
It appears, therefore, that codes have been sent out to supporters with 11 points or fewer in error.
Supporters with 11 points weren’t supposed to receive their access codes until tomorrow – and even then, tickets were expected to be subjected to any remaining availability.
Understandably, fans were left raging with the situation.
One fumed: “This is an absolute disgrace. You should be ashamed of yourselves as people have used holidays etc to acquire the possibility of tickets.”
Another said: “People cleared work diaries for this slot and now potentially in a position where they will be unavailable for new last minute slot. How can mistakes of this magnitude be made? The fans deserve better.”
A third added: “Total shambles from the email sending codes: days/dates wrong for two out of the three games. Does no-one proof read and check such important details?”
Another simply blasted: “What a farce.”
Another raged: “Great, half a day off work for this and now can’t log on until after 6. Thanks a lot.”
As mentioned, there’s no indication at this stage whether the sale will be able to proceed after all.
Many fans pleaded with the SFA to try and ensure it’s fixed today while others called for a change in the tiering system prior to the tickets finally going on sale.
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One said: “What’s the rush? Take a step back and do a proper tiering system. Start at the highest points and give yourself breathing space for errors.”

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‘PLEASE stick around’ urged the tannoy announcer after the final whistle.Like the Tartan Army would rather have been anywhere else!
John McGinn levelled the game early doorsCredit: AFP
The Aston Villa captain linked up well with Stuart Armstrong for the thirdCredit: Kenny Ramsay
‘No Scotland, no party’ screamed a sell-out crowd at Hampden as Steve Clarke and his side were given the send-off to Germany they deserved.
Okay, the campaign didn’t end with the victory over Norway we all hoped for.
But the hard work was done long ago and the lap of honour after this 3-3 draw one they earned.
The fans applauded the team and the team applauded the fans in a tremendous show of togetherness.

Scotland fell behind twice in the first-half before battling back to take the lead.
Stuart Armstrong looked like he’d scored the winner with a second-half strike.
But former Celtic star Mohammed Elyounoussi snatched a draw for Norway with an equaliser with only four minutes remaining.
That still didn’t ruin the night for the Tartan Army.
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It almost felt a bit too good to be true before kick-off.
The feelgood factor in and around Hampden was off the charts.
The 49,000 crowd didn’t turn up with any fear or trepidation.
There was no worry on any faces, just wide smiles and anticipation.
The SFA did a great job whipping up the excitement levels too as the teams came striding out.
The floodlights flashed like disco lights with the Tartan Army’s adopted dance track ‘Freed from Desire’ booming out of the stadium sound system.
Before that, as the players were warming up, there had been video clips of the big goals scored throughout the campaign.
Maybe ramming the two late, late Oslo strikes from Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean down the throats of the Norwegians wasn’t the brightest idea.
Because if last night’s guests needed any encouragement then that was it, shown in HD on the huge mega-screens.
Stale Solbakken’s side were always going to be determined to spoil the party, though, weren’t they?
Along with Erling Haaland, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard missed this game through injury. 
The visitors started strong even without their star duoCredit: Getty
But after the summer defeat he made it clear he felt Norway were a better team that Scotland. And you really got the impression his team-mates wanted to show that.
Clarke, though, had a team of men who had other ideas as they played with a grit and determination to PROVE the right team is heading to Germany next summer.
In fairness, the carefree attitude both sets of players helped make this an end-to-end game of football you couldn’t take you eyes off for a split second.
It was 2-2 at the break and from a Scotland point of view the goals conceded weren’t great.
Aron Donnum gave Norway the lead after just three minutes and the defending wouldn’t have impressed Clarke.
The goal silenced the home crowd until McGinn levelled from the penalty spot, after Callum McGregor had a shot blocked by the the same guy who scored the opener.
But soon Norway were back in front to dampen the atmosphere a second time.
Zander Clark was beaten from point-blank range after the ball took an awkward deflection.
When it came to Scotland’s second equaliser, it was Norway cursing their luck.
McLean did well to flick on a corner from Stuart Armstrong with his header hitting defender Leo Ostigaard on its way into the back of the net.
Even then Norway could have taken the lead a third time before the break.
Nathan Patterson made a tremendous block to stop Donnum from scoring again.
All told, there was a lot that happened in that first-half that would have worried Clarke. 
Norway looked dangerous every time they got forward – Man City’s Oscar Bobb in particular causing us all sorts of problems down their right flank.
It was a fairly unfamiliar line-up, remember.
Steve Clarke’s men will be in Pot Three for next month’s drawCredit: Kenny Ramsay
Clarke want with a back four with Scott McKenna and Jack Hendry his two centre-backs and they’ve both played better for their country.
Jacob Brown was picked to lead the line ahead of Lawrence Shankland, which was surprising after his last gasp heroics in Georgia last Thursday night, and the Luton frontman found it tough going.
You also wondered if Clarke would take the opportunity to throw Bologna’s on-form Lewis Ferguson in from the start. But as usual he had to settle for a place on the bench.
The Scotland boss started looking at the scoreboard clock when it showed 57 minutes, clearly thinking about making a change or two.
But before he could get any of his substitutes stripped, Armstrong fired the team in front with a tremendous goal.
Brown missed a sitter when a great ball was fizzed across the face of goal and he failed to get a touch.
But when it looked like going out for a throw-in down near the corner flag Armstrong had other ideas.
He showed a real desire to win the ball and create something out of nothing, combining with McGinn before calmly finding the net at the near post.
It was as cool as could be.
Norway had moments when they could have made it 3-3 with Clark making a cracking save in 80 minutes to keep out a header from Sander Berge.
But the Jambos keeper was soon beaten a third time when he lost the flight if a cross to his back post with Elyounoussi free to score. 
Soon, though, it was party time again as Clarke and his heroes were saluted on their way around the pitch.

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