Kenny McLean is on the brink of a defining moment in his international career as Scotland gears up for its first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades. The Norwich City captain has already etched his name in history with a stunning long-range goal against Denmark last November and is eager to build on that legacy this summer in North America.
Reflecting on Scotland's recent UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, where they finished bottom of their group, McLean believes the team has gained invaluable lessons that will serve them well as they head into the World Cup. "We’re well aware of that, and we want to continue improving as a squad," the 34-year-old told CBS Sports. "We’ve got really good players, and we’re a really good team, but we just didn’t show up." Read more about Clement Challenges Wright to Step Up Midfield Battle.
His candid assessment reveals a refreshing honesty about the squad's performance in Germany. "I don’t even think it was the occasion getting the better of us. I think we just weren’t good enough at the time, but we’ve grown as a squad," he remarked. This growth has culminated in a historic achievement—Scotland's qualification for the World Cup. "We don’t want that alone to be enough. We want to go there and showcase what we can do." Read more about Van Wolfswinkel Calls Time on Career After 18 Years.
As Scotland prepares for a challenging Group C, which includes matches against Haiti, Morocco, and five-time champions Brazil, McLean's extensive experience will be vital. With 56 caps to his name, placing him 24th on Scotland's all-time appearance list, he is eager to add to that tally. "Yeah, why not? (Beat Brazil) down in Miami sounds good to me," he said, reflecting the excitement surrounding the group.
The Scots will kick off their World Cup campaign against Haiti on June 14, a match McLean views as crucial. "That’s obviously a game where we’ll be looking to get three points. I don’t think we can hide away from that." The subsequent fixture against Morocco is equally significant, and McLean understands the importance of a strong start. "We know it’s going to be a tough ask, but anything’s possible."
After missing out on the UEFA Euro 2020 finals due to injury, McLean is determined to seize this opportunity. Although he sat out Norwich's final match against Hull due to a minor back issue, manager Philippe Clement has reassured fans of McLean's fitness for the World Cup. When discussing Scotland's prospects, he was clear about his ambitions. "I’m not going to sit here and say we’re going to win the World Cup, but I think if we’re talking about getting out of the group, the first thing has got to be winning the first game." Read more about Norwich Confirm Departures as Summer Overhaul Begins.
Expectations are high, but McLean embraces the challenge. "Getting off to a good start with three points would obviously be amazing, and beyond that, there’s a real opportunity for us with 32 teams qualifying," he stated. "We know we’ve got the squad, and we know we’ve got the players to do that."
As the City skipper enters the tournament, he carries the momentum of being named Norwich City Player of the Season, underscoring his importance to both club and country. With a focused approach towards the opening match against Haiti, McLean aims to ensure Scotland makes a significant impact on the world stage.
"On paper, it gives us the best opportunity to get three points," he noted, emphasising the necessity of a confident start. "We’ll have the early warm-up games, and we’ll be ready to go because we’ll need to adapt to the weather."
Kenny McLean is prepared to embrace the spotlight, and as Scotland embarks on its World Cup journey, he stands ready to lead his nation with pride and ambition.