Gannon-Doak's electric pace could unlock Brazil, says Charlie Adam

Charlie Adam has identified Ben Gannon-Doak as Scotland’s most dangerous weapon heading into their pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage clash against Brazil in Miami, arguing the winger’s pace and power could stretch a Brazilian defence that has yet to hit top gear at the tournament.

Steve Clarke’s side sit on three points after two games — a 1-0 win over Haiti followed by a 1-0 defeat to Morocco — and know that a draw against Brazil would secure a place in the last 32. Adam, however, insists Scotland must first fix the defensive frailties that saw them concede inside 70 seconds against Morocco.

“We can’t concede again after 70 seconds,” Adam said. “We need to start the game better and give ourselves a platform and an organisational structure to build into the game. Second half against Morocco we were much better — we managed to progress. But we have to be a threat at the top end of the pitch. That’s why I believe Ben Gannon-Doak will start — he gives us that electric pace in the wide areas, he gets us up the pitch, and provides a threat in behind.”

Adam acknowledged that Scotland were cautious with Gannon-Doak against Morocco given his limited playing time this year and the demands of back-to-back fixtures, but believes that careful management was always with Brazil in mind. “He will be a huge asset if he’s back fit and available — his speed and power to get us up the pitch, stretch the Brazilians, and be a threat on the counterattack,” he added.

On the attacking structure, Adam backed Lawrence Shankland to start alongside Che Adams, seeing the two strikers as complementary rather than competing options. “Shankland allows us to be a bit more solid in terms of link play and hold-up. Che Adams’ best attribute is running behind. If we get Shankland coming short and we can get runners — maybe Findlay Curtis on one side or one of the experienced players like John McGinn and Scott McTominay — we could have some success.”

Adam also assessed the threat Brazil pose, singling out a midfield trio of Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá as crucial, while warning that the attacking options — Vinicius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli and Endrick among them — give the Seleção the quality to punish any lapse. Brazil lead the group on four points but have not yet produced the performances many expected, and Adam believes they will only improve as the tournament progresses.