Steve Clarke believes Scotland players affected by nerves in

Scotland preparing to face Finland before heading to GermanyClarke: ‘Until you are on the plane there is always a doubt’

Steve Clarke has detailed how player anxiety during the buildup to Scotland’s appearance at Euro 2024 could affect friendly performances. His team struggled to break down Gibraltar’s rearguard action on Monday, with second-half goals sealing a largely forgettable 2-0 win.

Clarke readily admits his team have to do more in front of goal. The pitch in Faro was sticky. However, the manager has explained the mindset of his squad. Clarke named a provisional 28‑man party for Germany, which was reduced by one when Lyndon Dykes was injured in training and was cut by one more on Tuesday when the Liverpool teenager Ben Doak was ruled out with injury. Doak had what Clarke called a “reaction” to training.