\n<\/p>\n
Even eight years after its introduction, the competition does not have the allure of its counterparts, but it is still an important part of the international calendar, especially for Scotland.<\/p>\n
Head coach Clarke has spoken repeatedly about how his players need to face strong opposition to keep improving. <\/p>\n
This time around, they will not be playing Europe’s elite, but competitive games against sides of a similar level present a good test and strong preparation for the next set of European Championship qualifiers.<\/p>\n
Promotion brings prestige, glamour games next time around and prize money, but arguably the real prizes come in how a successful campaign sets Scotland up for the future.<\/p>\n
The seeding for qualification campaigns and finals is always a complicated affair, but there is one simple truth that applies to them all. Winning games pushes a team up the rankings and into a better position – and winning competitive games is more valuable than victory in friendlies.<\/p>\n
There is also the importance of a good Nations League as a lifeline to reach major finals. Four teams who failed to qualify for the World Cup directly have been given a second chance through the play-offs due to their Nations League record.<\/p>\n
And let us not forget that Scotland’s long exodus from a major finals was ended because of a Nations League lifeline \u2013 the emotion of the play-off victory in Serbia that sealed a place at Euro 2020 was only possible because of a strong campaign.<\/p>\n
It should not be the case that the national team needs a similar chance to reach Euro 2028, but a horrible set of circumstances could arise that make Nations League success essential.<\/p>\n
As co-hosts of the tournament, the idea of Scotland not making the finals and seeing fans of other nations celebrating at Hampden in unthinkable. <\/p>\n
However, with four nations hosting the finals, Scotland, England, Wales and Republic of Ireland all have to go through the qualification campaign.<\/p>\n
In an ideal world, the national team succeeds there and books a place, with three group games at Hampden guaranteed. <\/p>\n
Uefa has set aside two places for host nations who fail to qualify in an attempt to make sure all four are in the tournament proper.<\/p>\n
However, if more than two of the four fail to qualify automatically, it comes down to qualifying ranking and Scotland could conceivably miss out altogether. <\/p>\n
In that specific case, having a play-off place banked from the Nations League would be heaven sent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n