New Scotland Squad Unveiled
Sébastien Pocognoli Names First Scotland Squad for Upcoming Nations League Matches
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Key Points
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Pocognoli signed an initial two-year contract to become Scotland head coach in August, after Steve Clarke resigned in June following Scotland’s group-stage World Cup exit.
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The Nations League campaign is scheduled to begin against Slovenia on September 26, before Scotland faces Switzerland and North Macedonia in the four-match autumn programme.
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Uncapped goalkeeper Jon McCracken has emerged as another option after recording six clean sheets in nine League One matches for Bradford.
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Luke Graham’s call-up follows a breakthrough season at Dundee in which he won the club’s players’ player of the year and young player of the year awards; he has since been an ever-present for unbeaten-in-four Stoke City in the Championship.
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Robbie Ure joined Sevilla for £5.5 million after scoring 20 goals and providing three assists in 20 matches for Swedish club Sirius.
Sébastien Pocognoli has named his first Scotland squad since taking over from Steve Clarke, selecting 27 players for four UEFA Nations League matches beginning September 26 against Slovenia. Sportsmole reports that 12 World Cup squad members are missing due to injuries or retirements, marking a significant shift as Scotland transitions toward Euro 2028. The Belgian coach is introducing seven uncapped players while recalling established stars like Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney.
Pocognoli faces immediate challenges in goal, with Craig Gordon retired and Liam Kelly short on club appearances. Sportsmole notes that Angus Gunn, Scott Bain, uncapped Bradford goalkeeper Jon McCracken, and young prospect Liam McFarlane are competing for the number one spot. The squad overhaul reflects the team's evolution and a fresh approach to Scotland's competitive matches.
Seven Uncapped Players Earn First Call-Ups
Pocognoli has handed debuts to seven players who have never worn a Scotland shirt. bet365 News confirms the breakthrough squad members include emerging talent from across Europe's top leagues. The move shows Pocognoli's commitment to building a younger, fresher squad capable of competing in the 2026–27 Nations League and beyond.
Stoke City defender Luke Graham headlines the uncapped contingent after a stellar Dundee season where he won both the club's players' player and young player of the year awards. Sevilla striker Robbie Ure, who cost £5.5 million after scoring 20 goals in 20 matches for Swedish club Sirius, also joins the squad. Bradford goalkeeper Jon McCracken rounds out the new names after recording six clean sheets in nine League One appearances.
Defensive Depth Tested by Injuries and Fitness
Scotland's back line faces significant challenges heading into the Nations League campaign. Hereford Times reports that Pocognoli has recalled Swansea's Stephen Welsh and Celtic's Colby Donovan to shore up defense. Brondby's Luis Binks also joins the squad, providing additional center-back cover as the team navigates an injury-plagued period.
Key defenders like Scott McKenna anchor the squad, but limited playing time for several senior players has created gaps. Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson remain crucial to Pocognoli's plans on the flanks. The squad composition reflects the coach's careful balancing act between experience and youth as Scotland prepares for a demanding autumn schedule.
Pocognoli Begins His Managerial Mission
The Belgian coach signed a two-year contract in August after Steve Clarke stepped down following Scotland's World Cup group-stage exit in June. Pocognoli inherits a squad in transition and uses the Nations League as a platform to build chemistry before Euro 2028 qualification intensifies. His squad selections signal a willingness to blend proven stars with hungry young talent.
Scotland faces Slovenia on September 26, then Switzerland and North Macedonia in the four-match autumn programme. Sportsmole notes that 12 World Cup regulars are unavailable, forcing Pocognoli to experiment and develop new combinations. This campaign will reveal how effectively the new boss can reshape Scotland's identity while maintaining competitive standards.
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