Scotland winger Ben Gannon-Doak believes he is better equipped for tournament football at this summer's World Cup after missing out on Euro 2024 due to injury. The 20-year-old Bournemouth player was initially named in Steve Clarke's squad for the European Championships but failed to recover in time. He described the experience as heartbreaking but now views it as a positive turn, claiming he was not ready to perform at his best. "The Euros probably came a bit too early, but I don't think I would have played if I was there," Gannon-Doak said. "I'm much more prepared and ready to go and play in a tournament now than I was back then."
Scotland have arrived in the United States ahead of their World Cup campaign, marking their first appearance at the tournament since 1998. Their Group C fixtures begin with Haiti on June 14 in Boston at 2am UK time, followed by matches against Morocco on June 19, also in Boston at 11pm, and Brazil on June 24 in Miami at 11pm. The squad features eight players born after Scotland's last World Cup appearance, with 43-year-old Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon likely the only one with firsthand memories of that era. Gannon-Doak highlighted the blend of youth and experience, citing the fearlessness of younger players like himself and defender Curtis Findlay, balanced by veterans with 70 or more caps.
He expressed confidence in the squad's ability to advance past the group stage, a feat Scotland has never achieved in a major tournament. "We've got everything we need to go and do it," Gannon-Doak said, pointing to the current form of several teammates. The full squad includes goalkeepers Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly; defenders Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Scott McKenna and Nathan Patterson.
Ben Gannon-Doak admits he likely wouldn't have played at Euro 2024 even if fit, yet still calls missing it a blessing. That self-awareness suggests his inclusion now is less about proven impact and more about timing and squad balance. No African or Nigerian players featured in the match or squad details provided.
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