We must see surly not timid Scotland at Euros against Switzerland - but no more than 4 changes

Steve Clarke tried to put the tin lid on Friday’s 5-1 Euro 2024 opening-night defeat by Germany on Sunday as he hosted a surprise press conference over the weekend. The Munich post-mortem was conducted, and now all thoughts are trained on Switzerland on Wednesday in Cologne.

Clarke cannot of course rewrite history, nor can he stop the constant criticism of Scotland's display against Germany. Their performance is by far and away the worst of a team so far at the tournament.

It has put Scotland in a predicament. Four points was Clarke's pre-competition target from the pool fixtures and therefore a positive result is required against the Swiss, who started their own Group A campaign with a 3-1 win over Hungary.

Scotland have been stung by their performance against Germany. | Getty Images

Many Swiss observers reckon their first-half showing against the Hungarians, which had them 2-0 up at the break, was the best since Murat Yakin took over as Switzerland boss in 2021. That is not pretty reading for those of a Scottish persuasion, emphasising the task ahead for a morale-sapped team that has only beaten one other country - Gibraltar - in ten matches.

So much of the focus turns to how Scotland can change to be competitive against the Swiss. In terms of mindset, Scotland looked spooked by the occasion that awaited them in Munich. This match is different. They have the experience of facing Germany plus the shame of losing so spectacularly in front of a global audience. Callum McGregor spoke of "embarrassment" in the Scottish camp and it would be no surprise to see a far more pugnacious, stung Scotland display in the opening stages.

There was little aggression from Scotland's midfield against Germany and more bite will be required against the Swiss. One major issue was the time afforded to the German playmakers to do their thing. Switzerland have a similar style of technician, although almost certainly a level down in quality, in their midfield. Granit Xhaka, fresh from winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, adds experience, ballast and guile. He anchors the Swiss and allows the creative Remo Freuler to pull strings next to him. Scotland must be competitive in that area.

Therefore, the compilation of the midfield is important. After being left out against Germany, Billy Gilmour - Scotland's most gifted passer - is being tipped to come in. Who does he replace? Take your pick from any four of the central midfielders that did not perform against Germany. Ryan Christie seems the most obvious one to drop out but Callum McGregor, Scott McTominay and John McGinn could have little complaint if they were to make way. McTominay and McGinn may be safe by virtue of their goal threat and ability to break beyond the forward line.

This is on the assumption that Clarke sticks with his 3-5-1-1/3-4-2-1 formation. It was constructed originally to get Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson in the same team down the left side of defence, but it also allows to get the maximum number of midfielders into the team. On paper, this is Scotland's strongest sector. A back-four was played against Gibraltar but that was an anomaly against a team that put ten men behind the ball. Clarke is unlikely to stray away from systems that has served him so well for many years.

It is who takes their place within that structure. One alteration must happen. Ryan Porteous is suspended and one assumes Grant Hanley will take his place in heart of defence. Anthony Ralston could drop out for Ross McCrorie or potentially the more offensive-minded, experienced James Forrest at right wing-back, and Gilmour's reinstatement is a distinct possibility. Lawrence Shankland is pushing Che Adams for a start in attack. Clarke could make a raft of switches but panic is not his style. Four changes, at an absolute maximum, to his starting XI is predicted.

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Switzerland did not qualify for the tournament with much of a swagger, finishing second behind Romania and holding off a late charge from Israel in their group. This resulted in expectation levels dipping among the Swiss support, who are now lifted by the tonic of that 3-1 win over Hungary.

Euro 2024 feels like the last roll of the dice for a Swiss golden generation spearheaded by Xhaka. Xerdan Shaqiri is now an impact sub at best, but he still has a box of tricks to dip into. At the back, hugely experienced goalkeeper Yann Sommer has Fabian Schar of Newcastle, Man City's Manuel Akanji and the ultra-dependable Ricardo Rodrigues in front of him. Yet take a look at Switzerland's recent results and they cough up goals. Kosovo and Belarus netted more than once in recent encounters. Even Andorra breached the Swiss last summer.

It is at the other end of the pitch that Scotland must be wary. Michel Aebischer normally plays as a central midfielder for Bologna beside Freuler but was deployed as left wing-back, cutting inside and revelling in a roaming role against Hungary. Scotland need to police him. The lively Dan Ndoye - another Bologna player - is a pacey, direct attacking midfielder and he can cause problems alongside Ruben Vargas. Kwadwo Duah was handed a surprise start against the Magyars as the sole striker, but netted the opener with a lucid finish. He will probably get the nod again, with Breel Embolo - just back from injury - a more than handy replacement off the bench.

Switzerland will have to deal with the expectation of being favourites but at the same time, they are in a strong position after a commanding win over Hungary. They play a possession-based game not dissimilar to the Germans but have proven in recent matches - including Hungary - that they can lull. Scotland were meek against Germany but this opponent is a level down. Clarke’s team must therefore be more truculent than timid if they are to get the outcome they so desperately require on the banks of the Rhine.