Scotland players were seen leaving their team hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, just hours after their World Cup elimination and the resignation of manager Steve Clarke. Captain Andy Robertson and John McGinn were among the first to load their suitcases into taxis, with Kieran Tierney, Lawrence Shankland, and Che Adams also pictured carrying bags out of the lobby area. It is understood that players and staff are making their way home individually, a stark contrast to the fanfare of their departure for the United States last month.
World Cup exit confirmed
Croatia's 2-1 win over Ghana on Saturday confirmed Scotland's exit from the tournament. Scotland earned three points from nine in Group C, finishing behind Brazil and Morocco with a minus three goal difference, which was not enough to secure a place among the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the last 32. This was Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Clarke's resignation
Steve Clarke, 62, announced his resignation in an open letter to supporters on the Scottish Football Association's website on Sunday. He said: “The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now. They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”
Clarke led Scotland to three of the last four major tournaments, including their first World Cup in 28 years. First Minister John Swinney paid tribute on X, saying: “I am sorry to hear that Steve Clarke has stood down as Head Coach @ScotlandNT. He has taken the team and the country on an exciting journey to reach the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and he has so much to be proud of. I wish him well for the future.”
