World Cup latest: Scotland call up Man Utd teenager to replace Gilmour

Scotland has called up 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher to replace the injured Billy Gilmour in their World Cup squad. Gilmour, a key player known for his technical skills and composure, is sidelined due to injury, prompting this significant change. Fletcher made his international debut as a substitute and is expected to step into a crucial role for the national team as they prepare for their opening match against Haiti on June 14, 2026.

Gilmour's absence is a major blow for Scotland as they aim to finally progress beyond the group stage of the World Cup. His role as a deep-lying playmaker was vital for maintaining possession and linking defense to attack. Without him, Scotland's tactical setup may shift, impacting their attacking fluidity. The team must adapt quickly to ensure they can compete effectively against stronger opponents like Brazil and Morocco in Group C.

Scotland's World Cup journey has historically been challenging, with the team never advancing past the group stage. Under manager Steve Clarke, who has been at the helm for seven years, the squad has aimed to change this narrative. The upcoming matches against Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil will be critical, and Gilmour's fitness was seen as pivotal to their success. With Fletcher stepping in, Scotland will need to adjust their tactics to compensate for the loss of Gilmour's influence in midfield.

As Scotland prepares for their World Cup opener against Haiti, they will need to quickly integrate Tyler Fletcher into their game plan. The team may adopt a more conservative 4-3-3 formation to cover the gaps left by Gilmour, focusing on defensive stability while trying to maintain some attacking threat. A strong performance against Haiti is essential to build momentum before facing tougher challenges against Morocco and Brazil later in the group stage.