In this video
- Asked for a squad update, Clarke said Billy Gilmour did not make it and is still suffering from his injury. Everyone else is fit and ready to go.
- Clarke expects Denmark's heads will not be down, because they can still go through as group winners. They will come determined to make amends for the slip-up the other night, he said.
- Asked about the crowd, Clarke said it is always important and Scotland need it with them. You probably need the crowd more in the difficult moments than when you are on top of the game, he said.
- Asked how he is feeling, Clarke said pretty calm, and he always trusts his players. A home game against Denmark to qualify for a World Cup was always the scenario in his head.
- Asked about the players becoming legends, Clarke said many of them already rank very high in what the country has done. When he took the job six and a half years ago, a lot of people told him not to touch it.
- Asked if his time in charge has been building to this moment, Clarke said not really. He thought it was building to the last World Cup, and that fell flat against Ukraine.
“There's definitely work to do… We have to look after ourselves.”
- Asked by a Danish TV reporter where Denmark can be punished, Clarke said it is probably better he does not say. The Scottish media will tell you he never tells anybody about his tactics, he said.
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier against Denmark at Hampden Park. With the squad just one win away from history, Clarke confirmed Billy Gilmour will miss out due to injury but stressed the rest of the team is fit, focused, and fully aware of the magnitude of the occasion.
Steve Clarke emphasized that this is a first opportunity for Scotland to top the group, not just qualify, correcting media narratives and setting a defiant tone.
Clarke detailed tactical balance, the need for discipline and adventure, and lessons from past disappointments including the missed chance against Ukraine.
He praised the unity with fans and urged them to bring Hampden alive, especially during tough moments. The Scotland coach insisted the team must anticipate success not fear failure and said the experience the squad now holds is vital for rising to the challenge.
