Scotland Striker Dykes Eyes World Cup as Career Pinnacle After Euros Miss
Lyndon Dykes, the Scottish striker, sees the opportunity to help Scotland reach its first World Cup since 1998 as a defining moment in his career. Missing last summer’s European Championships due to injury was a significant setback for Dykes, but he remains focused on the road ahead.
World Cup Qualification Journey
Scotland can secure automatic qualification for the upcoming World Cup by achieving favorable results in their final two matches. The team needs at least a point against Greece in Piraeus on November 15 and a victory against Denmark at home on November 18. Currently, Scotland enjoys an unbeaten run in Group C and is guaranteed a playoff spot.
Dykes Reflects on Past Challenges
The 30-year-old forward expressed his longing to represent Scotland in major tournaments. “Missing out on the Euros was a big blow,” Dykes said. He emphasized the importance of this World Cup opportunity for himself and the team. “It’s a dream come true. We see it as the pinnacle of our careers,” he added.
Scotland’s Recent Performance
- Victory against Belarus (twice)
- Win against Greece at Hampden
- Draw with Denmark away from home
Scotland ranks level on points with Denmark, both at 10 points, while Greece lags seven points behind. Dykes noted the team must concentrate on their first game against Greece before looking to Denmark. “It’s going to be two difficult games,” he stated.
Experience and Team Cohesion
Having been part of the team that secured qualification for Euro 2020, Dykes understands the pressure of critical matches. “The current squad has extensive experience in high-stakes games. We’re capable of handling the nerves,” he remarked. He reiterated the importance of unity and alignment within the team, saying, “When we’re all together, we get things done.”
Current Scotland Squad
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Scott Bain (Falkirk), Craig Gordon (Hearts), Liam Kelly (Rangers) |
| Defenders | Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic) |
| Midfielders | Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Connor Barron (Rangers), Andy Irving (West Ham) |
| Forwards | Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts) |
The anticipation for these final qualifiers is high. As Dykes noted, the entire nation is behind the team’s quest for World Cup qualification—the ultimate goal for every player involved.
