Scotland's World Cup dreams are over, and so is Steve Clarke's tenure as head coach. The news of his departure came minutes after Scotland's official exit from the tournament.

What happened?

Clarke's exit was low-key, with no fuss or interviews, typical of the man. His valedictory statement was detailed, suggesting this decision was in the pipeline for a while. But why now? The players and many of the Scottish FA board were unaware of this decision. Just a month ago, Clarke was announced to be staying for four more years.

Why it matters for Scotland

Clarke's legacy is a good one, with three major championships in seven years, including a recent win over Liechtenstein. | Date | Result | | --- | --- | | 2025-06-09 | Liechtenstein 0-4 Scotland | The team's recent form has been 1W-0D-1L, with the most recent result being a loss. Clarke took the team out of the wilderness but never to the promised land of knockout major championship football.

What comes next?

The Scottish FA is under pressure to make a good appointment, with six Nations League games between September and November. There are no outstanding candidates, and the denizens of Hampden must get it right. The team's future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: a new voice and fresh ideas are needed. As of now, the focus is on finding the right manager to lead Scotland forward. | Category | Value | | --- | --- | | Last result | Liechtenstein 0-4 Scotland | | Recent form | 1W-0D-1L