Can Scotland qualify for Euro 2020?
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Hampden Park will be one of the 12 venues hosting Euro 2020, but will Scotland take part in the tournament?
It will have been 22 years since Scotland appeared in a major tournament by the time it rolls around.
But the Tartan Army have a genuine chance of being one of the 24 sides to make it to the next Euros.
First of all, they’ve got the makings of a solid side on the pitch.
New captain Andrew Robertson has developed into a top-class left-back at Liverpool. Celtic’s Kieran Tierney is another superb left-back, but he operates as a left-sided central defender for the national side.
Alex McLeish can call on the likes of Robert Snodgrass, Scott McTominay and Ryan Fraser in midfield. They’ve all impressed in the Premier League.
John McGinn’s creativity has also stood out in the early stages of his Aston Villa career. Former Celtic attacking midfielder Stuart Armstrong has a role to play too.
In the final third, Matt Phillips adds thrust on the flanks, while Leigh Griffiths is a goal threat up front.
As well as having quality on the pitch, the new qualifying format also offers hope.
Scotland have been drawn with Albania and Israel in League C of the Nations League. They’re 13/8 favourites to top the group.
If they win the pool, they’ll go into play-offs with the three other League C group winners. Whoever comes out on top will secure their place in the Euros.
And if McLeish’s side don’t qualify through the Nations League, they’ve got another chance in the traditional qualifying process next year. They could either finish in the top two in their group to qualify automatically, or go via the play-offs if need be.
It’s been a long wait, but Scots could see their side in a major tournament in the very near future.
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