Tierney's tactical role criticized after Scotland's loss to Morocco
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 2:07 PM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
Former Scotland players Neil McCann and Leanne Crichton criticized Kieran Tierney's positioning in the World Cup defeat to Morocco. Tierney, typically a left-back, was shifted to a left midfield role in an effort to counter Morocco's Achraf Hakimi. McCann expressed concern that this tactical change hindered the team's effectiveness, and Crichton highlighted the challenges of preparing for such a role. Tierney was substituted after one hour for Ben Gannon-Doak, who had not started due to fitness concerns but had a notable impact after coming on.
- •Scotland lost to Morocco in the World Cup.
- •Tierney played in an unfamiliar left midfield position.
- •McCann and Crichton both felt the tactical decision was ineffective.
- •Tierney was replaced by Gannon-Doak after one hour.
- •Gannon-Doak's performance improved Scotland's attacking options.
- 2:07 PMYahoo Sports — Tierney 'experiment' didn't work, say former Scotland players
"Former Scotland players Neil McCann and Leanne Crichton feel Kieran Tierney was put in an unfair position in the World Cup defeat by Morocco. Tierney, usually a left-back at Celtic and left centre-back as part of a three for Scotland, was pitched into a left midfield role, seemingly to combat Morocco captain and right-back Achraf Hakimi. "I don't think the Kieran Tierney experiment worked," 26-times capped McCann told BBC Sportsound.
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