Scotland v Poland LIVE: Nations League result and reaction as late penalty sinks hosts

Scotland started their Nations League campaign with a thrilling contest against Poland at Hampden Park which resulted in a 2-3 loss for the home side.

The hosts were the better side in the first half but suffered an early surprise after Sebastian Szymanski rattled in a shot from 20 yards, beating Angus Gunn to his left and bouncing the ball into the net off the inside of the post.

Scott McTominay thought he had an equaliser only for his goal to get ruled out for a handball in the build-up but Scotland were on top. Yet it was another shock to the system when Anthony Ralston brought Nicola Zalewski down in the area and Robert Lewandowski converted the penalty to send the visitors into the break two goals to the good.

But the hosts weren’t beaten yet. Billy Gilmour pulled a goal back 23 seconds into the second half and Steve Clarke introduced Ben Doak with 20 minutes to go. He slipped Ralston into the box who pulled the ball back to McTominay for the equaliser.

There was still a twist in the tale as Grant Hanley fouled Zalewski inside the box in added time. The Polish forward converted the spot kick and Scotland suffered an undeserved defeat.

Relive the updates and reaction from the Nations League below:

Scotland v Poland LIVE

• Scotland beaten by Poland in the first match since Euro 2024 campaign

• GOAL! Zalewski wins then scores the penalty to break Scottish hearts (SCO 2-3 POL)

• GOAL! McTominay draws Scotland level (SCO 2-2 POL)

• GOAL! Gilmour scores just after the restart (SCO 1-2 POL)

• GOAL! Lewandowski converts the penalty for Poland (SCO 0-2 POL)

• NO GOAL! McTominay’s goal chalked off for handball (SCO 0-1 POL)

• GOAL! McTominay nets awkward equaliser for Scotland (SCO 1-1 POL)

• GOAL! Szymanski’s effort from range beats Gunn (SCO 0-1 POL)

Late penalty drama inflicts defeat on Scotland in Nations League return

Thursday 5 September 2024 22:47 , Mike Jones

Scotland‘s first encounter with top-tier Nations League football ended in despair as Nicola Zalewski’s penalty in added time handed Poland an undeserved 3-2 win at Hampden Park.

Sebastian Szymanski’s long-distance strike gave Michal Probierz’s visitors the lead after only eight minutes of the League A Group I opener.

Scott McTominay thought he had levelled in the 23rd minute but referee Glenn Nyberg chalked it off for handball and there was more dismay for the Tartan Army when Poland’s superstar striker Robert Lewandowski netted a penalty to make it 2-0 before the break for his 84th international goal.

Late penalty drama inflicts defeat on Scotland in Nations League return

FT Scotland 2-3 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 22:16 , Mike Jones

At 18 years and 299 days, Ben Doak is the youngest player to make their debut for Scotland since Kieran Tierney in March 2016.

FT Scotland 2-3 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 22:10 , Mike Jones

Scotland are without a win in their last five internationals at home, (drawing two and losing three), their longest such run since November 2008.

FT Scotland 2-3 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 22:05 , Mike Jones

Former Scotland striker, Steven Thompson, on BBC Sportsound: “All three goals avoidable. Two definite penalty kicks, really really poor.

“When it looked like we’d given ourselves the best platform to win the game but we’ve thrown it all away.”

FT Scotland 2-3 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 22:05 , Mike Jones

That’s Poland’s first win over Scotland in nearly 45 years since a 1-0 friendly win in May 1980.

Full-time! Scotland 2-3 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:50 , Mike Jones

90+8 mins: Scotland’s great comeback is all for nothing after a loose mistake from Grant Hanley afforded Poland a late penalty which was converted.

The visitors have scored all three of their shots on target and they’ve beaten the hosts by one goal. A thrilling and entertaining match comes to an end with Scotland leaving heartbroken.

GOAL! Scotland 2-3 Poland (Nicola Zalewski. 90+7’)

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:44 , Mike Jones

90+7 mins: Zalewski steps up to take the spot kick. He nestles it underneath Angus Gunn and Poland take all three points!

Scotland 2-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:43 , Mike Jones

90+6 mins: Penalty!

Grant Hanley dives in at the wrong moment as Nicola Zalewski dribbles into the box. He takes the man and the referee points to the spot.

Late drama!

Scotland 2-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:41 , Mike Jones

90+4 mins: Halfway through added time now and the intensity of the last few minutes has dipped massively. Poland trying to manage the game, Scotland trying to win, neither team getting on top.

Scotland 2-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:38 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Eight minutes of added time! Plenty of time for a winning goal.

Scotland 2-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:37 , Mike Jones

88 mins: Close! McTominay has a go from range and targets the far bottom corner. He can’t quite wrap his foot around the ball and the effort bobbles wide of the target.

Marcin Bulka seemed to have it covered.

Scotland 2-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:34 , Mike Jones

85 mins: Ben Doak goes on a fine run down the right wing and carries the ball into the box. He looks for space to shoot but gets crowded out but three defenders and loses the ball.

Bright stuff from the youngster though.

Scotland 2-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:29 , Mike Jones

82 mins: Plenty of changes happening from the Poland bench as fresh legs are needed for them to see out this game. The momentum is all with Scotland though.

Can they make use of it and score again?

Scotland 2-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:26 , Mike Jones

79 mins: Just a touch over 10 minutes to play now. Steve Clarke’s changes have helped get Scotland back on level terms. Can they help the hosts go on and win this match?

GOAL! Scotland 2-2 Poland (Scott McTominay, 76’)

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:24 , Mike Jones

76 mins: Equaliser!

Ben Doak slips the ball into the right side of the box where Anthony Ralston makes an underlapping run. He collects the ball and pulls it back into the area where Scott McTominay is on hand to turn it into the far bottom corner.

Scotland are level.

Scotland 1-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:20 , Mike Jones

72 mins: Here are the changes for Scotland. Lawrence Shankland, Ryan Gauld and Ben Doak are brought on to replace Lyndon Dykes, Ryan Christie and Kenny McLean.

It’s an attacking triple substitution. Will it work out for Steve Clarke?

Scotland 1-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:18 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Poland are just beginning to stifle Scotland’s creativity. Scott McTominay decides to just whip a cross into the penalty area and finds Lyndon Dykes over by the far post.

Dykes manages to get the ball into the six-yard box but the whistle goes for a Poland free kick.

Scotland 1-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:17 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Steve Clarke is in deep conversation with his assistant John Carver on the sidelines. Time for a change perhaps?

Scotland 1-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:12 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Scott McTominay receives the ball and turns towards goal. He drives forward and space opens up as a run from Andy Robertson takes the nearest defender away.

McTominay decides to shoot and curls the low effort into the arms of the goalkeeper.

Scotland 1-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:09 , Mike Jones

60 mins: An hour played at Hampden Park and this game is well and truly alive. Poland are starting to get more space as Scotland push higher up the pitch.

The midfielders are having to work hard to track forward and back with Scotland having to weather a bit of pressure at the moment.

Scotland 1-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:06 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Przemyslaw Frankowski goes on a foray up the pitch on the right hand side. He’s given the ball in space and curls a cross into the penalty area where Angus Gunn collects it without too much trouble.

Poland are starting to go through the gears too.

Scotland 1-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:03 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Andy Robertson is fed the ball after Scotland clear their lines. The captain drives up the pitch on the counter attack and gives the ball to Scott McTominay who is up the pitch to help out.

There’s no way into the box so the hosts eventually play it to Ryan Christie. He fizzes a pass into the penalty area wanting a one-two with Robertson but the left-back’s touch is poor and the ball deflects into the hands of the goalkeeper.

Scotland 1-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 21:00 , Mike Jones

51 mnis: The noise, the cheers, the chants and the songs have all resumed around the stadium and there’s a growing sense of belief in the home side.

Poland aren’t able to get their passing to click and Scotland’s defence is sharp and solid. They are giving away plenty of free kicks though which they’ll need to be wary of.

Scotland 1-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:55 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Gilmour’s goal came just 23 seconds into the second half. It’s only his second goal for the national side and its come at the perfect time.

Scotland are right in this game now.

GOAL! Scotland 1-2 Poland (Billy Gilmour, 46’)

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:54 , Mike Jones

46 mins: They have one!

Scotland turn the ball over quickly and feed it to Lyndon Dykes. He takes it into the penalty area and has a shot deflected close to the line.

The ball bobbles into the path of Billy Gilmour who rattles a low shot into the back of the net!

Second half! Scotland 0-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:53 , Mike Jones

Poland kick off the second 45 minutes at Hampden Park. If Scotland can get the next goal they’ll believe that there’s still a way to win this game.

HT Scotland 0-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:49 , Mike Jones

Scotland have never beaten Poland in a competitive international match in four attempts (D3 L1), despite going ahead in each of the last three competitive games between the nations.

Is history repeating itself?

HT Scotland 0-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:45 , Mike Jones

Coming up this weekend: Angel Gomes is relishing his England opportunity after taking roundabout route into Lee Carsley’s squad

There was long the sense that Sir Alex Ferguson was the managerial godfather. It can be jarring, though, to realise that one of his last title-winning team is the godfather of potentially England’s next international.

Especially as he is sufficiently young that Nani is still playing. The 37-year-old’s godson is Angel Gomes; a winger known for his flicks and tricks has had a peripatetic career since leaving Old Trafford but often checks in on Gomes. “He has been a big influence,” said the Lille midfielder. “He was someone I used to watch and gave me joy.”

Angel Gomes relishing England opportunity after taking roundabout route into squad

HT Scotland 0-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:41 , Mike Jones

An entertaining first half at Hampden Park. Can Scotland get themselves back into this one?

Half-time! Scotland 0-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:37 , Mike Jones

45+3 mins: The whistle goes and the players make their way down the tunnel. Scotland find themselves two goals down but it could have been different.

The hosts have been the better team, Poland have been more clinical. Two shots on target, two goals.

If Steve Clarke’s men keep up their levels their could get back into this match.

Scotland 0-2 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:35 , Mike Jones

45 mins: Three minutes added on before half-time.

GOAL! Scotland 0-2 Poland (Robert Lewandowski, 44’)

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:34 , Mike Jones

44 mins: Lewandowski sends Angus Gunn the wrong way and doubles Poland’s lead!

Both goals have come against the run of play.

Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:33 , Mike Jones

Penalty to Poland!

43 mins: Oh no! Nicola Zalewski is a force of nature. He receives the ball and spins towards goal before dribbling past the Scottish defence.

As he gets into the box Anthony Ralston sticks out a leg and takes him out. It’s a clear penalty and Robert Lewandowski is stepping up.

Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:30 , Mike Jones

40 mins: Chance!

Scotland should be level! The come forward on the left side with Christie weaving his way to the edge of the penalty area. He lifts a fine cross over to the back post where Lyndon Dykes arrives.

The ball bounces high but he rises above it and smokes a shot at goal only to ping it into the side netting!

Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:29 , Mike Jones

37 mins: Close!

Scott McTominay nicks the ball in the middle of the pitch and drives to the byline before fizzing a fine pass across the six-yard box. None of his teammates can get on the end of the pass though and Poland scramble it away!

Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:24 , Mike Jones

34 mins: Angus Gunn tells his teammates to settle down again after winning a free kick inside his own penalty area. The hosts work the ball down the right and boot it forward towards Lyndon Dykes.

Dykes backs into Jakub Kiwior and falls over. The defender isn’t pleased and argues with the referee which earns him a yellow card.

Scotland have a free kick but Robertson’s delivery curls straight into the hands of Marcin Bulka.

Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:22 , Mike Jones

31 mins: Ralston finds McTominay with a cracking ball but the midfielder just runs into trouble. Lyndon Dykes tries to win it back but runs into a Poland player and gives away a free kick due to sheer frustration.

Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:18 , Mike Jones

28 mins: The disallowed goal will be annoying for Scotland but it will also give them hope that they can get at Poland. Ryan Christie and Andy Robertson combined to work the ball down the left wing before Kenny McLean feeds it back to Christie.

He checks to the right and pings off a shot but the ball is always tracking wide of the far post.

NO GOAL! Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:14 , Mike Jones

25 mins: Gutting for Scotland.

VAR took a look at the goal and saw that the ball bounced up and hit McTominay on the hand before dropping for his shot at goal. It’s accidental and frustrating but the rules mean the goal has to be ruled out.

GOAL! Scotland 1-1 Poland (Scott McTominay, 23’)

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:13 , Mike Jones

23 mins: There goes the roof!

Scotland win themselves a free kick over on the right side of the pitch. Andy Robertson swings the ball into the far side of the penalty area where Scott McTominay arrives.

He messes up his attempted header but manages to awkwardly scuff a shot into the back of the net. Scotland have their equaliser!

Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:09 , Mike Jones

21 mins: John McGinn switches the play with a fine cross field pass over to Ryan Christie. Christie nods the ball over to Andy Robertson but the captain is put under pressure.

As he challenges for the aerial ball he gives away another free kick. Poland take this one short but Scotland turn the ball over. Billy Gilmour finds McGinn who slots a pass into the box for Scott McTominay.

McTominay finds a slight bit of space and manages to get a shot off but only lifts it high and wide.

Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:07 , Mike Jones

18 mins: The noise levels inside Hampden Park are rising with every foul that Scotland give away. The referee has been decent so far but the home fans are trying to encourage their team on.

An equaliser would take the roof off.

Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:05 , Mike Jones

15 mins: Andy Robertson already looks more determined to drive Scotland forward. He gives it to Scott McTominay who works his way down the inside right channel.

He passes a one-two with Ryan Christie before losing possession on the edge of the box. The ball rolls back to Robertson who swings in a cross.

Lyndon Dykes is the target and the forward almost gets a head to the ball but gives away a free kick in the process.

Scotland 0-1 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:01 , Mike Jones

12 mins: Not at all the start that Scotland would have wanted but it’s early in the game and they can recover from this. The hosts had been playing okay and didn’t look overwhelmed by the occasion.

They need to switch back on and reset.

GOAL! Scotland 0-1 Poland (Sebastian Szymanski, 8’)

Thursday 5 September 2024 20:00 , Mike Jones

8 mins: Poland take the lead early on!

Kacper Urbanski nicks the ball high up the pitch and slots it across to Robert Lewandowski. The big forward continues the move and passes it to Sebastian Szymanski.

Scotland drop back so he decides to shoot from range and lets fly from 20 yards. The effort is good and beats Angus Gunn to his left before clipping the inside of the post and finishing in the back of the net!

Scotland 0-0 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:53 , Mike Jones

6 mins: Anthony Ralston hurries Nicola Zalewski in the middle of the pitch and gives away a foul to Poland. They take it quickly but can’t play through the Scots and are forced to send it back to goalkeeper Marcin Bulka.

Decent start for Scotland.

Scotland 0-0 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:52 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Scotland are going through something of a reset following their Euro 2024 campaign though Steve Clarke has backed the most of the same players for tonight’s match.

If they can start the Nations League campaign well they’ll only grow in confidence.

Kick off! Scotland 0-0 Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:50 , Mike Jones

Kenny McLean gets the ball rolling at Hampden Park and Scotland win a throw in over on the right wing. Poland defend well early on and clean their lines but the host recover the ball and look to sweep forward immediately.

Scotland v Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:43 , Mike Jones

Here come the players.

Andy Robertson looks determined as he leads out the home side. They’re playing in the Nations League top flight for the first time. Can they get their campaign off to a winning start?

Scotland v Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:40 , Mike Jones

Scotland have won 10 of their 16 Nations League games (drawn two, lost four), with their 62.5% win ratio the best of any nation in the competition.

Scotland v Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:35 , Mike Jones

Robert Lewandowski has been involved in eight goals in his last nine starts for Poland (5 goals, 3 assists) and netted twice in his last appearance against Scotland in October 2015 at Hampden.

Scotland v Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:30 , Mike Jones

Andy Robertson could win his 75th cap, becoming just the seventh player to achieve that alongside Kenny Dalglish, Alex McLeish, Jim Leighton, Paul McStay, Darren Fletcher and Craig Gordon.

Steve Clarke on evolving the Scotland squad:

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:25 , Mike Jones

"[It is] evolution, not revolution. This time we have a significant number of injuries, I’ve had to dip down to the under-21s squad, they also have important fixtures coming up but that brings freshness.

"Respect to the core group, but within that core group you have to add a little bit more and hopefully that makes us better. It won’t happen overnight. This is a chance to evolve the group so that we’re in shape for the World Cup qualifiers."

Scotland v Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:20 , Mike Jones

Poland have only won four of their 16 Nations League matches (drawn four, lost eight), with both wins against Bosnia (2020) and two over Wales (2022).

Having won 15 out of 18 competitive games between September 2021 and September 2023 (drawn one, lost two), Scotland are now winless in six (drawn three, lost three).

They last endured a longer run between October 2011 and March 2013 (seven).

Scotland v Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:15 , Mike Jones

Scotland have only won one of their last 12 matches (drawn four, lost seven) - a 2-0 friendly victory over Gibraltar who were ranked 203 in the world.

They have lost six of their last seven against teams ranked above them.

Scotland v Poland

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:10 , Mike Jones

Five of the last six meetings between these teams have ended as draws, including the most recent game in March 2022, a 1-1 draw in a friendly.

Scotland have never beaten Poland in a competitive game in four attempts (three draws, one defeat), despite going ahead in each of the last three.

Andy Robertson tasks Scotland with raising Tartan Army’s spirits after Euro 2024

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:05 , Mike Jones

Andy Robertson wants to rekindle the Tartan Army’s love for Scotland in the upcoming Nations League campaign.

There was huge excitement among the Scottish support ahead of Euro 2024 in Germany where tens of thousands turned up in expectation, but it all fell flat when Steve Clarke’s men could only muster one point from three group games before returning home.

Ahead of the Nations League Group A game against Poland at Hampden Park on Thursday, the Scotland skipper acknowledged the disappointment and is looking to make up with the fans.

Andy Robertson tasks Scotland with raising Tartan Army’s spirits after Euro 2024

Scotland can continue to improve

Thursday 5 September 2024 19:00 , Mike Jones

Andy Robertson says fresh faces like Ryan Gauld and Ben Doak can help Scotland find a way to compete against elite nations more regularly.

"We know that’s what we need to improve - that’s the next step for us," Robertson said, "That’s us been to two tournaments now and only got two draws. We’ve not progressed the way we would have liked.

"We need to look at that. And in the build up when we played the stronger nations like England and France we didn’t show how good we can be.

"But also not that far in the past we beat the European champions here at Hampden, we also beat a really good Denmark team. We competed against Spain away as well.

"We need to get more consistent at doing it. We’ve done it previously but not all the time. That’s what we need to get better at, especially at tournaments."

Andy Robertson on Euro 2024

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:55 , Mike Jones

"The summer was a low for all of us," said the Scotland captain when asked about Euro 2024, "But we have to move on from it. We have to be positive, otherwise it’s pointless being here. We have to believe.

"Okay, we might have some doubters again within our country. Our country was right behind us in the summer.

"We get they’re disappointed and now it’s up to us to drag them along with us again. It’s up to us to show on the pitch we’re willing to fight, win games, and put in the hard yards.

"If we do that, we know our fans will come with us as well."

Poland are a stern test says Clarke

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:50 , Mike Jones

Steve Clarke is expecting a testing encounter against Poland this evening. The Scotland boss wrote in the matchday programme:

“We know that Poland will provide a stern test. They too will be disappointed with their summer and will want to use tonight to prove a point. It is up to us not to let them do so by getting our Nations League campaign off to a winning start.”

Poland team news

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:45 , Mike Jones

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has recovered from the injury problem that limited his appearances for Poland in Germany.

Wojciech Szczesny has retired so Lukasz Skorupski is new Polish first-choice goalkeeper. The visitors are without centre-back Bartosz Salamon and midfielder Taras Romanczuk through injury.

Centre-half Mateusz Wieteska and midfielder Mateusz Kowalczyk have also been ruled out, while Los Angeles midfielder Mateusz Bogusz is not being considered because of jet lag following his late arrival at the team camp.

Pogon Szczecin winger Kamil Grosicki has also called time on his international career but it is hoped that Przemysław Frankowski will recover from a minor muscle injury.

Scotland v Poland line-ups

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:39 , Mike Jones

Scotland XI: Gunn, Ralston, Hanley, McKenna, Robertson, Gilmour, McLean, McGinn, McTominay, Christie, Dykes

Subs: McCracken, Clark, Shankland, Doig, Barron, Porteous, Souttar, Doak, Morgan, Conway, Gauld, Johnston

Poland XI: Bulka, Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior, Frankowski, Urbanski, Zielinski, S. Szymanski, Zalewski, K. Piatek, Lewandowski

Subs: Skorupski, Dragowski, Piatkowski, Walukiewicz, Piotrowski, Moder, Swiderski, Kaminski, Puchacz, Buksa, Slisz, Bereszynski

The return of the Nations League: Groups, favourites and what’s new in 2024/25 as Spain defend crown

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:35 , Mike Jones

An expanded Uefa Nations League is upon us as the first international break of the Premier League season ramps up.

The fourth edition of this competition adds an extra knockout round and maintains the jeopardy of promotion and relegation in its mini leagues – a fate England know too well after dropping to League B following a poor string of results in 2022.

Designed to eliminate meaningless international friendlies in favour of pitting similarly ranked nations against each other in a competitive environment, the Nations League has proven a springboard to success for previous winners Portugal, France and Spain.

The return of the Nations League: Groups, favourites and what’s new in 2024/25

Scotland’s Nations League squad

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:30 , Mike Jones

Striker Che Adams withdrew from the Scotland squad on Tuesday and was replaced by Rangers midfielder Connor Barron for his first call up.

Celtic pair James Forrest and Greg Taylor joined Adams in pulling out of Steve Clarke’s group, along with goalkeeper Robby McCrorie.

Goalkeepers: Zander Clark (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Norwich City), Jon McCracken (Dundee)

Defenders: Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Max Johnston (Sturm Graz), Scott McKenna (Las Palmas), Ryan Porteous (Watford) Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers)

Midfielders: Connor Barron (Rangers), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Ben Doak (Middlesbrough), Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls)

Forwards: Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)

Poland’s head coach on playing at Hampden

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:25 , Mike Jones

Poland head coach Michal Probierz spoke about his excitement at taking charge of his team at Hampden Park tonight. He said: "I’ve seen some games on the television at Hampden and there’s always a very warm atmosphere.

"I’m sure the atmosphere will be similar to in Wales. It might be another hot game and we need to be prepared and ready for that."

Pre-match thoughts from Steve Clarke

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:20 , Mike Jones

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke: "We knew coming out of the other side of the tournament [Euro 2024] there would need to be a little bit of freshness in the squad.

"I didn’t envisage so many injury issues, so many call-offs but that’s given us a freshness that’s maybe more than it would’ve been had I had everybody fit and available, but it’s still a nice freshness.

"For the young boys that have come into the squad, they’ve brought that enthusiasm, that breath of fresh air that galvanises and gives the senior players that little bit more life. It’s been a good couple of days, but we want to make it better."

International break dates

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:15 , Mike Jones

Here’s a look at the schedule for this international break and which teams play each other in the Nations League:

Thursday, 5 September

Scotland vs Poland (19:45)

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg (19:45)

Friday, 6 September

Wales vs Turkey (19:45)

Saturday, 7 September

Republic of Ireland vs England (17:00)

Sunday, 8 September

Bulgaria vs Northern Ireland (17:00)

Portugal vs Scotland (19:45)

Monday, 9 September

Montenegro vs Wales (19:45)

Tuesday, 10 September

England vs Finland (19:45)

How does the Nations League work?

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:10 , Mike Jones

The competition is split into four levels, from A down to D, with four groups in A, B and C and two groups in D.

Scotland are in Group A1, so the top level, while England (B2) and Wales (B4) are in the second tier and Northern Ireland (C3) the third.

The top two teams from each group in League A go into two-legged quarter-finals in March, with the winners going into the final-four tournament in June. The winner of that mini-tournament is Nations League victor.

The winners of each group in Leagues B, C and D are promoted to a higher division. The teams who finish bottom of each group in Leagues A and B are relegated.

Teams who finished third in their groups in League A will face League B runners-ups - and League B’s third-placed teams will face League C runners-up - in two-legged promotion/relegation play-offs in March.

There will also be play-offs between the two best fourth-placed teams in League C and the two runners-up in League D.

Connor Barron and Jon McCracken called up to Scotland squad for first time

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:05 , Mike Jones

Rangers midfielder Connor Barron and Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken have been called up to the Scotland squad for the first time for the Nations League double-header against Poland and Portugal.

In an update from the Scottish Football Association on Tuesday, it was revealed that Barron and Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig have both been promoted from the under-21 squad following a spate of withdrawals.

Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, Torino striker Che Adams and Celtic pair James Forrest and Greg Taylor have all left the squad.

Connor Barron and Jon McCracken called up to Scotland squad for first time

Scotland’s early team news

Thursday 5 September 2024 18:00 , Mike Jones

The absence of long-term injured players such as Kieran Tierney, Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey was compounded when Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, Torino striker Che Adams and Celtic pair James Forrest and Greg Taylor all left the original squad for the Group A game against the Poles and the trip to Portugal on Sunday.

Vancouver Whitecaps’ Ryan Gauld had been called into the squad after a 10-year absence along with fellow uncapped duo, Sturm Graz full-back Max Johnston and attacker Ben Doakes, who is on loan at Middlesbrough from Liverpool.

They were joined by Rangers midfielder Connor Barron, Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken and Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig, making it six potential debutants.

How can I watch it?

Thursday 5 September 2024 17:55 , Mike Jones

It was a late confirmation that was only announced on Wednesday, but the match will be shown live in the UK on ITV4 and ITVX.

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When is Scotland vs Poland?

Thursday 5 September 2024 17:50 , Mike Jones

Scotland take on Poland in the Nations League A Group 1 game at Hampden Park on Thursday 5 September and the match will kick off at 7.45 pm BST.

Scotland vs Poland LIVE

Thursday 5 September 2024 17:45 , Mike Jones

Scotland host Poland in the Nations League A Group 1 opening match tonight as they bid to put their Euro 2024 exit behind them.

At the most recent international tournament, Scotland secured just one point from three matches as they exited Euro 2024.

Should Scotland finish in the top two of their group they would qualify for the quarter-finals of the Nations League, fourth would confirm a relegation to League B and third would ensure a play-off match.

Although the Nations League is its own event, it also has an impact on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which Scotland would be aiming to compete in for the first time since 1998.

Good evening!

Thursday 5 September 2024 15:59 , Mike Jones

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Nations League action as Scotland play host to Poland at Hampden Park.

Steve Clarke’s men are back on the international stage after their shocking Euro 2024 campaign and will hope for a more positive time of things this evening.

Scotland’s Nations League group also includes international heavyweights Portugal and Croatia so a victory against an underpar Poland will leave them in a strong position.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and more throughout the night so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 7.45pm.