The Rangers talisman who could carry Scotland’s World Cup dreams

As Lawrence Shankland hits a purple patch of form, football heavyweights are urging Steve Clarke to break from tradition and build the attack around him.

The weight of history hangs heavy over the Scotland dressing room as they prepare for their Group C opener against Haiti this weekend. For a nation that has never tasted the knockout stages of a World Cup, the search for a clinical edge has been an exhausting, multi-generational pursuit. Now, as the tournament arrives in North America, the spotlight has swung firmly toward Lawrence Shankland, a player who seems to be capturing the imagination of football royalty.

Shankland’s trajectory over the last few months has been nothing short of electric. After netting 20 goals for Hearts last season, his recent transfer to Rangers has only sharpened his profile. For the national team, the timing couldn't be better; he has bagged three goals in his last two outings, finding the net against both Curacao and Bolivia. This isn't just a run of luck—it is the kind of consistency that commands a starting spot.

The Wright endorsement

The clamour for Shankland to lead the line has reached the ears of pundits who rarely mince their words. Ian Wright, the former Arsenal and England forward, hasn't just suggested that Shankland should play; he has explicitly told head coach Steve Clarke that the striker is "the one." Comparing his physical presence and finishing ability to the legendary Ally McCoist, Wright believes Scotland has finally found the profile of striker they’ve lacked for decades.

It is a significant vote of confidence. Shankland faces stiff competition within the 26-man squad from the likes of Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, and Ross Stewart. However, Wright’s comparison to McCoist—a man who defined an era of Scottish goal-scoring—carries heavy weight. While Shankland was restricted to a mere 22 minutes of action during the European Championships two summers ago, the consensus is that he has matured into a different beast entirely.

Why it matters

The bigger picture here is the tactical evolution of Steve Clarke’s side. For years, Scotland has been praised for its defensive structure and mid-field grit, but that defensive discipline often masks a lack of predatory instinct in the final third. By putting their faith in a player who is currently in the form of his life, Clarke isn't just picking a striker; he is making a statement of intent. If Shankland can replicate his club form on the world stage, he shifts the pressure away from the midfield and gives the team a focal point that can hold up play and finish under high-stakes pressure.

This transition from the domestic grind to the World Cup is always a test of temperament. While the press remains focused on the broader squad dynamics—including the recent injury concerns surrounding Scott McTominay—the narrative around Shankland remains the most compelling. Whether he starts against Haiti or is held as an impact substitute, he is clearly the player the experts believe can finally break Scotland's long-standing tournament hoodoo.