The finality of the last European Championship stung Steve Clarke. Scotland had waited since 1998 to reach a major tournament. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic meant a further 12-month delay for the impatient Scots. Celebrations of a fine performance during the scoreless draw with England at Wembley – which in hindsight were over the top – only abated shortly before the 3-1 defeat against Croatia in Glasgow.
On the morning of 23 June 2021, Clarke bid farewell to his squad and the long-awaited adventure was over. The claiming of a single point from three games triggered the latest wave of concern over where Scotland stood in the football ecosystem. England shrugged off Scotland’s spirited attentions when progressing to the final. Clarke locked himself away and sulked.
