Ross Stewart Returns as Steve Clarke Bets on Championship Striker to Solve Scotland's World Cup Crisis

Ross Stewart has ended his four-year Scotland exile with a shock World Cup call-up, as Steve Clarke gambles on the Southampton striker's Championship form to solve his side's chronic scoring problems.

The 29-year-old striker, who has netted 11 goals in 33 games this season, last wore a Scotland shirt in 2022. His recall comes as Clarke's squad prepares to face Brazil, Morocco and Haiti in a daunting Group C campaign starting on 14 June.

Stewart's Redemption Arc: From Forgotten Man to World Cup Striker

Stewart's journey back to international football reads like a screenplay. After making just two senior appearances for Scotland in 2022, injuries derailed his career trajectory at Sunderland before his move to Southampton breathed new life into his prospects.

The Numbers Behind the Recall

His Championship statistics tell only part of the story. Beyond the 11 goals, Stewart scored in Southampton's crucial play-off semi-final victory over Middlesbrough, proving his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.

Clarke's decision reflects Scotland's desperate need for proven goalscorers. With Tommy Conway ruled out through injury and the team managing just one goal in their last four internationals, Stewart represents both hope and risk.

Championship Form vs International Quality

The gulf between Championship football and facing Brazil at a World Cup cannot be overstated. Stewart hasn't played international football since Scotland's Nations League campaign in summer 2022, when he featured against Armenia and Ukraine.

Yet Clarke clearly values his physical presence and finishing ability over match sharpness at international level. In a group where Scotland will likely spend long periods without possession, Stewart's ability to convert limited chances becomes crucial.

The Lennon Miller Question: Why Serie A Experience Isn't Enough

Lennon Miller's omission stands as the squad's most controversial decision. The midfielder has made 25 appearances for Udinese this season, adapting impressively to Serie A football at just 19 years old.

Clarke's Conservative Calculus

Miller won four caps last year but missed Scotland's March defeats to Ivory Coast and Japan. His absence from this squad suggests Clarke prioritises tournament experience over current form, a philosophy that explains both Stewart's inclusion and Miller's exclusion.

The manager has instead selected Findlay Curtis, who made his debut against Japan and scored five goals on loan at Kilmarnock. Curtis offers width and directness, qualities Clarke evidently values more than Miller's Serie A pedigree.

The Youth vs Experience Debate

Clarke's squad selection reveals his tournament philosophy:

• Craig Gordon, 43, included as third-choice goalkeeper despite limited game time
• Grant Hanley and Kenny McLean retained despite Championship football
• Young talents like Miller and others overlooked for proven internationals

This approach prioritises squad harmony and tournament know-how over pure ability, a gamble that will define Scotland's World Cup campaign.

Scotland's Group C Reality Check: Can This Squad Compete?

Scotland's group stage fixtures read like a football fan's nightmare. Opening against Haiti on 14 June offers their best chance of points before meetings with Morocco (19 June) and Brazil (24 June).

The Attacking Conundrum

Clarke's forward options highlight Scotland's limitations:

• Ross Stewart - Championship striker without international experience since 2022
• Che Adams - Torino forward struggling for consistent form
• Lyndon Dykes - Birmingham City striker in the Championship
• Lawrence Shankland - Hearts captain with Scottish Premiership pedigree
• George Hirst - Ipswich striker with limited international exposure

Against Brazil's defence and Morocco's organisation, Scotland's strikers face the ultimate test of Clarke's selection gamble.

Midfield Muscle vs Creative Spark

The midfield selection favours physicality and pressing over creativity. Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, both at Napoli, provide Serie A quality, while John McGinn offers Premier League experience.

Yet without Miller's progressive passing or other creative options, Scotland risk becoming predictable against superior opposition. Clarke appears to be banking on defensive solidity and set-piece opportunities rather than open-play creativity.

What Happens Next

Scotland face Curacao at Hampden on 30 May before travelling to New Jersey for their final warm-up against Bolivia on 6 June. These matches represent Clarke's last chance to test his Stewart gamble and finalise his tactical approach.

The Massachusetts double-header against Haiti and Morocco will likely determine Scotland's tournament fate. Anything less than four points from those fixtures would leave them needing a miracle against Brazil in Miami. For a squad built on pragmatism over ambition, the margin for error remains desperately thin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Scotland qualify from their World Cup group?

Scotland face an uphill battle in Group C with Brazil and Morocco as favourites to progress. Their best chance lies in defeating Haiti on 14 June and securing a draw against Morocco, though their recent form suggests qualification remains unlikely.

Why did Steve Clarke recall Ross Stewart after four years?

Clarke recalled Stewart due to Scotland's desperate need for goalscorers after managing just one goal in four recent internationals. The Southampton striker's 11 goals in 33 Championship games this season convinced Clarke to gamble on his finishing ability despite his long international absence.

When do Scotland play at the 2026 World Cup?

Scotland play Haiti on 14 June and Morocco on 19 June, both in Massachusetts, before facing Brazil on 24 June in Miami. They have warm-up friendlies against Curacao (30 May at Hampden) and Bolivia (6 June in New Jersey).

Who is in Scotland's World Cup squad?

Key players include captain Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour (both Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa) and striker Ross Stewart (Southampton). Notable omissions include Serie A midfielder Lennon Miller and injured winger Tommy Conway.

Why is 43-year-old Craig Gordon in Scotland's squad?

Gordon provides experienced backup as third-choice goalkeeper despite limited game time this season. Clarke values his tournament experience and leadership qualities, preferring him to younger alternatives for squad harmony and dressing room presence.