Scotland vs Switzerland: Euro 2024 kick-off time, TV details as Bristol City duo push for starts

It’s not quite now or never for Scotland, but at the very least Steve Clarke needs a response from his team in their second Group A fixture after a truly dismal showing against Germany in the Euro 2024 opener.

Scotland were hammered 5-1, lost defender Ryan Porteous to a red card and were played off the park by the hosts, with multiple concerns emerging about the side as a result. But all is not lost because they have a chance to redeem themselves against the Swiss.

With group standings decided on head-to-head record before goal difference, Clarke and his squad can park the performance in Munich to an extent and focus on securing maximum points from these next two encounters, with Hungary to finish matters on Sunday.

The Swiss were impressive, though, in their 3-1 victory over the Hungarians only adding to the feeling that the Tartan Army will have to make significant improvements across the board to get something out of this game.

Given Clarke is likely to make changes beyond just replacing Porteous, City duo Ross McCrorie and Tommy Conway come into the conversation, although a start for the former looks more likely than the latter.

Anthony Ralston was one of several who struggled against the Germans but such was the collective failure, Clarke may keep faith with the bulk of the XI and only make minimal alterations, especially as he has to take Porteous out so won’t want to disrupt his defensive unit too much.

Conway, meanwhile, sits behind Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland in the striking heirarchy and may have to be content with a substitute appearance, at best.

Kick-off time

The game takes place at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne and kicks off at 8pm (UK time).

TV details

BBC One is showing the game, with coverage beginning from 7:30pm. The fixture can also be streamed via the iPlayer and BBC Sport app.

BBC 5Live will provide commentary, along with talkSPORT.

Team news

Scotland will be without Porteous as he serves a one-match suspension for his red card against Germany. Otherwise Steve Clarke has a fully fit and available squad to choose from.

Denis Zakaria (thigh) and Steven Zuber (calf) missed Switzerland’s opener against Hungary but they could make the bench in Cologne. Striker Breel Embolo is pushing for a start having scored off the bench in their opening win.

Who’s the referee?

Ivan Kruzliak from Slovakia has the whistle for today’s game in what will be his first match officiating at a major tournament. The 40-year-old will be assisted by fellow countrymen Branislav Hancko and Jan Pozor.

Likely line-ups

Scotland (3-4-2-1): Gunn; Hanley, Hendry, Tierney; Ralston, Gilmour, McGregor, Robertson; McGinn, McTominay; Shankland

Switzerland (3-4-2-1): Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Embolo, Amdouni; Duah

What the managers are saying

Steve Clarke: “It’s about doing better. I don’t want to put any labels on it. It’s about doing better and working better into the game. We thought we were well prepared for Germany and obviously we weren’t.

So this time we don’t want to say too much and hopefully our actions on the pitch will show that we have prepared well. And a positive result would be lovely.

“We didn’t start well at all against Germany. After seven minutes we were chasing the game and after 20 minutes it was looking like a long night. So we need to make sure that we start well and do better. Make sure we get a good foothold in the game right from the start.”

Murat Yakin: "Scotland have to show a reaction. They will be prepared to disrupt us. I hope we can play our game as planned.

"The pressure was high on Germany and they played very hard against Scotland. But when you face Scotland you have to know what they are capable of doing. They will want to hurt us with their strengths. I don't think they will make it easy for us."

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