Scotland will miss the service of their full-back Kieran Tierney in the ongoing UEFA Euros 2024. The team has confirmed that Tierney will return home after sustaining an injury during the team’s 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
The Arsenal defender was involved in a tackle with Dan Ndoye and immediately asked for assistance before being taken off the pitch on a stretcher. He was clearly in discomfort with his hamstring. Placed third in Group A, they will play their final game against Hungary without their star defender. With Ryan Porteous getting a red card against Germany, this is a massive blow to Scotland.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Kieran Tierney of Scotland lies injured on a stretcher during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Scotland’s official statement read, “Kieran leaves camp due to injury and will return to Arsenal for further assessment.”
Scotland’s strategy in their upcoming fixture is being questioned. Experts have suggested that Steve Clarke can make a straight swap in the back five. Rumours have been circulating that Scott Mckenna will replace the 27-year-old who has already been substituted for him in the game against Switzerland. Whilst the former Aberdeen player is effective in his own way, he is incomparable in style to Tierney.
The other option that remains is to change the setup. The strategic design of the back five system was to play Robertson and Tierney together and leverage the attacking prowess of either Aaron Hickey or Nathan Patterson on the right. If the middle to front shape is changed, it would give Scotland strength and even allow Stuart Armstrong or James Forrest to play off a front three.
Tierney plays the game and moves forward in a crucial way to the Scottish attack. Playing from the number six position, Tierney lets Andrew Robertson push. His impact is greater than that of Jack Hendry and Anthony Ralston on either side. Tierney’s cover lets Anderson make incisive moves in the forward area of the pitch.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Kieran Tierney of Scotland injured during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany.(Photo by Jan Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Tierney himself moves forward, and his rampaging run can turn into a score when the team needs it. A witness to this was Scotland’s second in their 2-0 win over Spain in March of 2023 when they clashed in qualifiers for the Euros. Whilst Scott McTominay scored both goals, the second goal saw Tierney drive forward towards the goal. This is how he affects the Scottish morale when it comes to taking the attack to the opposite side.
Before his injury, the left-back had an 85% passing accuracy rate and a 100% clearance success rate in this tournament. He also enjoyed 101 periods of possession with the ball. It will be interesting to see how Scotland can keep its defences strong, given that it has conceded six goals in this tournament. On their opening night, they lost to Germany 5-1 before drawing against Switzerland.
Scotland will face Hungary in Stuttgart on 23rd June Sunday, in their final fixture of the UEFA Euro 2024.
The Scottish left-back is likely to miss the rest of Euro 2024. Where does Scotland stand without Tierney? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
