Former Scotland striker Steven Fletcher says Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland are likely picks and wants a fourth forward chosen on form
The selection of Scotland’s attacking unit for the World Cup has become one of the tournament’s most talked-about debates. With manager Steve Clarke preparing to name a longlist before trimming it to a final group, many fans and pundits are weighing who should travel to North America.
Ex-Scotland forward Steven Fletcher has offered a clear view: three names feel locked in, but a final berth should reward recent form rather than past service alone. The idea of a 55-man provisional squad being cut to 26 creates unavoidable choices about balance, experience and who is peaking at the right moment.
Across domestic leagues there are credible challengers pressing for inclusion. The conversation has shifted beyond Scotland’s own Premiership into the English Championship and Italy’s top flight, where forwards have been scoring regularly. Fletcher highlights players such as Oli McBurnie, who has struck in the mid-teens for Hull City this season, and Ross Stewart, whose time at Southampton has been affected by injury but who has produced a purple patch.
He also names Kieron Bowie, now at Hellas Verona, as someone climbing into contention. For Fletcher, that blend of proven internationals and hot-form options should guide Clarke’s final calls.
Fletcher’s selection case
Fletcher makes no secret of the trio he views as most likely to receive selection: Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland. He sees them as the core attacking options, combining familiarity with the manager and a track record in international camps. Yet Fletcher emphasises that the squad should still include at least one extra forward chosen because they are producing now, not solely because of past contributions. That argument rests on a practical belief: tournaments are short, margins are fine and a player arriving in peak condition can change a tie. In his words, if there is “one up for grabs,” it should go off current form.
Established forwards
There is logic to sticking with known quantities. Shankland arrives with strong domestic numbers and recognition such as a PFA Scotland nomination, while Adams and Dykes have been central to the qualification campaign and to Clarke’s tactical approach. Loyalty and familiarity matter in tournament football: coaches value players who understand their system and whom they trust under pressure. At the same time, relying entirely on established names carries risk if those players are not at their sharpest when the tournament begins. The debate boils down to weighing experience against the dynamism that a hot striker can bring.
On-form contenders
Fletcher points to several forwards who could stake a claim by virtue of their recent output. Oli McBurnie has been prolific for Hull City, combining goals with assists, and believes he has a case despite a previous international drought. Ross Stewart has shown excellent efficiency when fit, scoring decisive goals in cup competition and league matches for Southampton. Meanwhile, Kieron Bowie‘s move to Hellas Verona has coincided with a promising run that merits attention. The broader argument from analytics is simple: a striker in the right rhythm — with a strong conversion rate and frequency of chances — can offer a competition-winning edge even if they are less established at international level.
Heat, retirement and the personal side
Fletcher also discussed practical tournament details and his own life after football. He expects Scotland to manage the North American climate with hydration breaks and professional preparation, and believes players will adapt on the pitch. On a personal note, Fletcher retired after a successful spell with Wrexham, contributing to consecutive promotions for the club partly owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. He revealed offers to continue playing in the Scottish Premiership but chose family life and daily golf over prolonging his career. He admits he misses the camaraderie of the dressing room but not the grind, describing retirement as a conscious decision to finish on a high.
The manager’s dilemma
For Steve Clarke, the challenge remains how to reconcile loyalty with a hunger for goals. Stat-focused analyses suggest players like Stewart and McBurnie sit highly when judged by minutes-per-goal and shot-to-goal metrics, yet Clarke’s selections have historically rewarded familiarity and proven international chemistry. The selection dilemma is not just about comparing leagues or numbers; it is about trust, tactical fit and the psychological impact on a squad. Fletcher’s plea is straightforward: keep the trusted trio but leave room to reward a hot striker — because form, at a short tournament, can be decisive.
