Scotland at Israel
UEFA Nations League C | Group 1
Thursday, Oct. 11 | 1:45 p.m. CT | ESPN+
Sammy Ofer Stadium | Haifa, Israel
A stellar debut season with Sporting Kansas City has propelled Johnny Russell back into the Scotland Men’s National Team picture. The forward has joined his country for the third straight international window as the inaugural UEFA Nations League rolls into October.
Russell, who started in a 2-0 home win over Albania last month that vaulted Scotland to the top of Group 1 in UEFA Nations League C, has ventured across the Atlantic for Thursday’s contest in Israel, which Sporting KC fans can catch live on ESPN+ at 1:45 p.m. CT.
Israel took a 1-0 loss to Albania in their Group 1 opener and currently occupy last place in the three-team group. Each side will have played four UEFA Nations League matches by the end of November, with the first-place finisher earning promotion to UEFA Nations League B in 2020-21 and the third-place side facing possible relegation to League D.
2018-19 UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE C: GROUP 1
<strong>#</strong> |
<strong>TEAM</strong> |
<strong>PTS</strong> |
<strong>W</strong> |
<strong>L</strong> |
<strong>T</strong> |
<strong>GF</strong> |
<strong>GA</strong> |
<strong>GD</strong> |
1 |
Scotland |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
+2 |
2 |
Albania |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
-1 |
3 |
Israel |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
-1 |
Russell is one of just three forwards on Scotland’s roster after Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths withdrew himself from the squad earlier this week. This could translate to more playing time for Russell, who has earned three of his seven senior caps in 2018. Prior to signing for Sporting KC, he had not represented his country since late 2015.
Captained by Liverpool left back Andy Robertson, Scotland is No. 39 in the latest FIFA Rankings. Head coach Alex McLeish has assembled a squad of 21 players, and all except Russell play club soccer in Great Britain. The other two forwards are Swansea City striker Oliver McBurnie and Hearts front man Steven Naismith, whose eight international goals are the most of anyone on the roster.
Israel, ranked 94th, have claimed just one victory since the start of 2017 — a 1-0 decision against Liechtenstein more than a year ago. Queens Park Rangers striker Tomer Hemed, who played in the English Premier League last season for Brighton & Hove Albion, is the star of the side, having scored 16 goals in 34 international appearances.
With Scotland slated to host Portugal in an international friendly on Sunday, Russell is expected to be available for Sporting KC’s upcoming MLS match at Vancouver Whitecaps FC next Wednesday, Oct. 17. He leads the club in goals (11) and assists (11) across all competitions, including nine goals and nine assists in MLS play.
Scotland Roster
Goalkeepers (3): Craig Gordon (Celtic), Allan McGregor (Rangers), Jon McLaughlin (Sunderland)
Defenders (8): Jack Hendry (Celtic), Scott McKenna (Aberdeen), Charlie Mulgrew (Blackburn), Stephen O’Donnell (Kilmarnock), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen), John Souttar (Hearts), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
Midfielders (7): Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), James Forrest (Celtic), Kevin McDonald (Fulham), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Robert Snodgrass (West Ham United)
Forwards (3): Oliver McBurnie (Swansea City), Steven Naismith (Hearts), Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City)
