Scotland World Cup squad: Tyler Fletcher called up after Billy Gilmour knee injury

Scotland have named 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher as an injury replacement in their World Cup squad after Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour suffered a knee injury in a warm-up win over Curacao. Head coach Steve Clarke cited Fletcher’s strong training week and substitute appearance on debut. Standby midfielders were overlooked.

Scotland added teenager Tyler Fletcher to the World Cup squad on Sunday. The move followed a knee injury to Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour. Tyler Fletcher, 19, had played under 20 minutes for Manchester United this season. Scotland coach Steve Clarke made the change after Saturday’s warm-up win.

Gilmour was hurt on Saturday during a 4-1 victory over Curacao. Tyler Fletcher was already with the senior group last week. Clarke had invited Tyler Fletcher to train for experience. Tyler Fletcher then made a national-team debut on Saturday. Tyler Fletcher came on as a half-time substitute.

Scotland World Cup squad change after Billy Gilmour injury

Clarke said Tyler Fletcher impressed quickly in training and the match. "I just felt Tyler came into the squad this week and showed up really well, did well in the game so that was the thinking,\" Clarke said Sunday. The decision meant other young midfielders missed out. Clarke had several options available.

Tyler Fletcher was selected ahead of players including 19-year-old Lennon Miller. Miller had a full season in Serie A with Udinese. Clarke had placed Miller, Connor Barron and Andy Irving on standby. Clarke named the standby group two weeks ago. Clarke still chose to bring in Tyler Fletcher.

Scotland World Cup selection puts Tyler Fletcher ahead of standby midfielders

Clarke described the choice as difficult and stressful. \"For myself, it was a really difficult night, I havent slept much,\" Clarke said. \"I had to disappoint another three players this morning again, to tell them that they had missed out.\" Clarke did not name those players in the quote.

At Manchester United, Tyler Fletcher had two short substitute outings in the Premier League. Tyler Fletcher’s father Darren played 13 seasons for United. Darren also made 80 appearances for Scotland. Darren never played at a World Cup. The family link added context to the call-up.

Scotland World Cup squad includes Tyler Fletcher and other teenagers

Tyler Fletcher joined 19-year-old Findlay Curtis in the squad. The group also included 20-year-old Ben Gannon-Doak. They were not born when Craig Gordon first played for Scotland in 2004. Gordon is now 43. The age gap highlighted how the squad spanned generations.

When Gordon first appeared for Scotland 22 years ago, Darren Fletcher played too. Darren Fletcher also scored in that match. Scotland beat Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 in the game. The detail linked the team’s past to the present squad. It also showed Gordon’s long international career.

Scotland returned to the World Cup after a 28-year wait. Scotland was drawn with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti. Scotland began the tournament on June 13 against Haiti. The match took place at the New England Patriots stadium in Foxborough. Tyler Fletcher’s late call-up reshaped the midfield plans.

With inputs from PTI