4 burning Scotland vs Switzerland questions as Euro 2024 campaign on the line

Scotland take on Switzerland in a must-not-lose clash in Cologne tomorrow night.

Steve Clarke's side are hurting from their bruising 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany on the opening night of the Euros. But there are still two games to play for and six points up for grabs. If the Scots are to make history by reaching the knockouts for the first time, they'll need at least four points from tomorrow's showdown with the Swiss and Sunday's meeting with Hungary on Sunday night.

With that in mind, Football Scotland has decided to take a look at the four biggest talking points heading into Wednesday night's clash where a draw could be priceless.

Bounce back from Munich

Every ounce of optimism we had going into Friday night's clash against the host nation quickly vanished as the Germans romped to the competition's biggest-ever opening win. The heavy defeat means we can no longer rely on goal difference, meaning three points won't be enough to get us out of the group stages. That's why a point against Switzerland - who thumped Hungary 3-1 at the weekend - is essential, otherwise our hopes of qualifying will be over ahead of our final Group A game.

Who replaces Ryan Porteous?

Ryan Porteous has come in for some stinging criticism in the wake of his reckless red card but it was heartening to see boss Clarke defend his player in his recent press conference. Nobody (well, maybe with the exception of Ilkay Gundogan!) will be hurting more than the Millwall stopper, who has been suspended for the two remaining group fixtures. He'll have to serve his punishment, and Grant Hanley could be the one who fills in at centre-back in his absence. The Norwich City veteran is a favourite of Clarke's, although he does lack match sharpness having only recently recovered from a long-term injury lay-off. Scott McKenna also came off the bench in Friday's rout and had a hand in our consolation goal, while Liam Cooper will be seeking some minutes.

Gilmour's Swiss role

Billy Gilmour's omission from the starting XI was the only major surprise from Clarke's team selection. The Scotland midfield struggled to get to grips against the star-studded Germans and while it's unlikely he would have made much of a difference on Friday night, Gilmour's ability to keep the ball and be brave in possession could be the key to unlocking the Swiss.

Adams or Shankland?

This is one that continues to split opinion and while Che Adams was given the nod on Friday, the Southampton striker had a thankless task up front chasing shadows. He was hooked at the interval as Clarke attempted to shut up shop in the wake of Porteous' sending off. That may see him get another chance to shine against Switzerland but Hearts goal machine Lawrence Shankland would be a more than adequate replacement if Clarke sees fit. There's also the unknown quantity of Tommy Conway, but it'd be a major surprise to see the Bristol City rookie thrown in with so much at stake.