Scotland Boss Steve Clarke Prepares for World Cup Warm-Up vs Japan

Scotland prepares for its first World Cup since 1998 with a warm-up match against Japan. Coach Steve Clarke's squad includes new and returning players amid fitness considerations.

Scotland's World Cup Build-Up Begins

It may feel like a distant memory when Scotland's men's team secured qualification for their first World Cup finals since 1998, but the preparation phase now starts in earnest.

The first of three confirmed warm-up matches is scheduled for Saturday, with fellow finalists Japan visiting Hampden Park.

Steve Clarke has announced his squad, though four months have elapsed since Scotland last played, meaning players' form and fitness may have varied during this period.

How the head coach will approach the match remains uncertain, but what decisions would you make if you were in his position?

Choose Your XI and Formation

The squad is mostly settled, with the notable inclusion of teenage winger Findlay Curtis, who has earned his first call-up after joining Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers.

Players such as Billy Gilmour, Tommy Conway, Dominic Hyam, Ross McCrorie, and Nathan Patterson have been reinstated, while Aaron Hickey, Ben Gannon-Doak, Lawrence Shankland, and Craig Gordon are absent due to injuries.

Is this an opportunity to experiment with the lineup, or should the focus be on adding caps to an experienced group and providing valuable game time to some regulars who are not currently starting at their clubs?

Pick Your Scotland XI

How Would You Approach the Game?

Deliver Your Team Talk

The approach to the match involves more than just formation and tactics against a team ranked 19th globally—19 places above Scotland.

Japan is a high-energy side that qualified for the World Cup with three games remaining and notably came from 2-0 down to defeat Brazil in a friendly last October.

While the visitors might rest some players ahead of their upcoming match against England at Wembley, this game still presents a challenging test for Scotland.

What message would you deliver to the players ahead of this encounter?