World Cup Preparations Intensify

Scotland coach Gregor Clarke pushed back on dismissive views of lower-ranked opponents, telling reporters: fans “have a terrible habit of looking at these nations and thinking they are not very good,” arguing that because teams play in different world regions they “might be in their section… really good.”

Clarke said his priorities for the Bolivia match were “no injuries, performance, result,” adding there are “no ‘major’ injury concerns,” only “a few players with ‘little grumbling things,’” and that the weekend would allow him to do “straightforward selection” while also giving “Some players need minutes.”

John Stones framed England’s US pre-World Cup friendly as more than a tune-up—describing it as “a chance to get used to each other… create connections and take what we do during the weeks leading up,” and noting the “weather’s been a bit strange” but that the squad has “settled in well.”

After New Zealand’s 4-0 defeat by Haiti, coach Darren Bazeley said the loss showed a lack of “effectiveness and ruthlessness,” calling it a “real harsh lesson,” while also contrasting it with their recent defensive record: “We’ve defended very well… and haven’t conceded goals like that.”