Scotland's new manager Sébastien Pocognoli faces a tactical puzzle regarding Scott McTominay's role upon the Napoli midfielder's return from a heart procedure, expected in November. In his debut match, Pocognoli guided Scotland to a goalless draw against Slovenia on Saturday, with the team notably improving during the second half. The question of where McTominay will fit into the side has become increasingly relevant, particularly given the manager's deployment of Billy Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson as central midfielders with John McGinn ahead of them in a 3-4-1-2 formation that produced positive attacking play.

Pocognoli emphasised his tactical flexibility and insisted he will find a place for fringe players such as winger Ben Gannon-Doak and Josh McPake, suggesting the formation is not rigid despite resembling his previous setups at Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco. The manager acknowledged Scotland's first-half struggles but highlighted the team's second-half improvements and ability to create chances, which energised supporters. A considerably sterner examination awaits on Tuesday when Scotland faces Switzerland, a side that comprehensively defeated North Macedonia 3-0, as Pocognoli continues the challenging task of learning his squad whilst competing against credible opposition.