Clarke urges Scotland squad to embrace World Cup atmosphere at first tournament in 28 years

Steve Clarke has urged his Scotland players to embrace every moment of the World Cup after the squad touched down at their training base in Charlotte, North Carolina, ahead of their first appearance at the tournament in 28 years.

The squad completed an initial training camp in Florida and recorded a 4-0 warm-up win against Bolivia in New Jersey before establishing their main headquarters at the Atrium Health Training Ground, home to MLS side Charlotte FC.

“I think the message to the lads is just to try and soak it all in, take it all in,” Clarke told BBC Scotland on arrival. “Obviously, the message as the week goes on and it gets closer to the most competitive game will become more serious and more business, but just now it’s just about trying to enjoy it, trying to embrace it and I think we’re all doing that.”

Clarke, who has been in charge of Scotland for seven years, reflected on the journey that brought the squad to this point, acknowledging the difficult periods along the way.

“Well, me and some of the boys have been together now for seven years, so we’ve built a lot to get to this moment,” he said. “To think of some of the low places that we have been and to be here at a World Cup with this group of players is just fantastic.”

Scotland will train in Charlotte throughout the week before flying to Massachusetts on Friday ahead of their opening group fixture against Haiti at Boston Stadium. Clarke said preparations for that game have been in motion since the draw was made in December.

“It’s just finalising the preparation for the first game,” he explained. “We’ve been doing that since the draw was made in December, so it’s been a long time waiting to get here. I’ve been here a few times, so I understand what we’re coming into. It’s very hot, which is lovely, which is what we wanted, so we’re looking forward to it.”