Steve Clarke Scotland job could be on the line if Euro 2024 ends without a win, says Alan Hutton

Alan Hutton claims Steve Clarke's job could be on the line if Scotland's Euro 2024 campaign ends in a whimper.

The Scots were humiliated 5-1 by Germany in Friday night's opener but can still reach the knockouts if they take four points against Switzerland and Hungary. Scotland have never progressed beyond the group stages at a major tournament but former right-back Hutton expects the national team to make amends for their dismal showing against the Germans.

However, if results don't go to plan this week, ex-Rangers star Hutton fears Clarke's successful five-year tenure could be under threat - despite leading us to back-to-back European Championships.

Hutton told Best Online Poker Sites: "For me, a guy who has done what he’s done has to be up there, you have to speak about him. He’s been excellent and the brand of football that he plays is slowly but surely getting better. If he takes them through to the next round, the whole of Scotland will go crazy. If they don’t, though, I think questions will be asked.

"It’s amazing how we can go from saying, if he gets through then he may be the greatest manager Scotland have ever had, but if they are beaten three times, he’ll get sacked. Ultimately, this is the sport that we’re in and it always boils down to how well you’ve done. I think the hierarchy will be thinking that Steve Clarke has done unbelievably well to get Scotland where they are, but whether there is someone else who can take them to the next level."

Hutton, though, is confident that Scotland CAN book their place in the last 16 by nicking a point from the Swiss tomorrow night and beating the Hungarians on Sunday.

"There’s no getting away from it, it was a terrible, terrible start to the Euros for Scotland losing 5-1 in the opening game against Germany," Hutton said. "And I’m not going to lie, I thought Switzerland would be the easier game of the two left for Scotland but then I watched them against Hungary and it doesn’t seem to be the case! They looked really good moving forward and had some decent counter-attacks – they look the more dangerous side at this moment in time, so it’s going to be tough for Scotland.

"But the way it stands at the moment, if Scotland can get a draw against Switzerland, which I think they are capable of doing, and leave it until the last game against Hungary where they need a win – and I back them to beat Hungary – four points should be enough for them to reach the last 16."