Liam Cooper has been included in Scotland’s squad for the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, this summer. It will be the first major international tournament of Cooper’s career, and the first appearance at any tournament for 23 years for his nation!

Leeds United’s captain will face competition for places in defence, but being called up was an honour for a key member of the Whites’ Premier League backline, as they look to shine on the big stage. 

Who is in charge of Scotland? 

In charge of the Tartan Army is Steve Clarke. He has held his position since 2019 and has guided his home nation to a major tournament for the first time in 23 years!  

Clarke began his professional footballing career with St Mirren, where he made over 200 appearances. The defender then went on to play for Chelsea, staying at Stamford Bridge for 11 years. 

Then turning to management, Clarke held caretaker and assistant roles with Newcastle United, Chelsea, West Ham and Liverpool before being permanently appointed in the top job with West Brom in 2012.  

From there, he had a short spell with both Reading and Aston Villa, before enjoying great success with Kilmarnock which saw the now 57-year-old presented with the opportunity to manage the Scots. 

Who are Scotland playing?

Cooper’s side will have the opportunity to play in front of two home crowds, out of their three Group D fixtures this summer, with the other match being a short journey to Wembley when they take on England.

World Cup finalists Croatia are in the group, along with an experienced tournament side in the shape of the Czech Republic. 

Monday 14th June, 2021 - Hampden Park, Glasgow

Scotland vs Czech Republic - 14:00

Friday 18th June, 2021 - Wembley Stadium, London

England vs Scotland - 20:00

Tuesday 22nd June, 2021 - Hampden Park, Glasgow

Croatia vs Scotland - 20:00

How many times has Cooper played for Scotland?

Having played five times for the Under-17s squad and then once for the Under-19s, Cooper made the step up to the senior team in 2019. Since making his debut, the Leeds skipper has now got six caps to his name following Wednesday night's draw with Holland.

Last time out: Euro 1996

The last time Scotland reached a European Championships, coincidentally they were in the same group as England, and would play against them at Wembley. The 1996 tournament saw the Tartan Army finish third in the group, behind England and the Netherlands. 

Despite their final day victory over a bottom placed Switzerland side, Craig Brown’s side were eliminated at the group stage. 

Who else is in the Scotland squad? 

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Heart of Midlothian), David Marshall (Derby County), Jon McLaughlin (Rangers)

Defenders: Liam Cooper (Leeds United), Declan Gallagher (Motherwell), Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Jack Hendry (KV Oostende) *on loan from Celtic, Scott McKenna (Nottingham Forrest), Stephen O'Donnell (Motherwell), Nathan Patterson (Rangers), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Greg Taylor (Celtic), Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Ryan Christie (Celtic), John Fleck (Sheffield United), Billy Gilmour (Chelsea), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), David Turnbull (Celtic) 

Forwards: Ché Adams (Southampton), Lyndon Dykes (Queen's Park Rangers), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Fraser (Newcastle United), Kevin Nisbet (Hibernian)