Why Halliday feels Shankland must start for Scotland at World Cup

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, discussions about squad selections are heating up, and one prominent voice has made a compelling case. Andy Halliday, a seasoned Scottish midfielder, has publicly advocated for Lawrence Shankland to be in Scotland's starting lineup when the tournament kicks off in North America.

Shankland's Recent Form

Shankland has been in outstanding form for Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership, consistently finding the back of the net and displaying sharp attacking prowess. This season alone, he has already netted 15 goals, making him one of the league's top scorers. His knack for scoring crucial goals and ability to perform under pressure are attributes that Halliday believes will be vital for Scotland.

Halliday's Perspective

Halliday, who has shared the pitch with Shankland at Hearts, emphasizes the striker's work ethic and leadership qualities. "Lawrence is not just a goal scorer; he's a leader on and off the pitch," Halliday stated in a recent interview. "His ability to inspire teammates and his clinical finishing make him indispensable for Scotland as we head into the World Cup."

Scotland's Recent Performances

Scotland has shown promising performances in their recent UEFA qualifiers, securing their place in the World Cup with a series of strong displays. However, to compete against the world’s best, Halliday believes that having a player of Shankland's caliber in the starting eleven could be the difference-maker.

Competition for the Forward Position

While Scotland boasts a wealth of attacking talent, including the likes of Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes, Shankland's recent performances make a strong case for his inclusion. Halliday argues that Shankland's current form and his proven ability to score in critical matches give him an edge over his competitors for a starting spot.

As Scotland gears up for the World Cup, the decision about who will lead the line remains in the hands of manager Steve Clarke. However, with voices like Halliday's championing his cause, Lawrence Shankland could well find himself a pivotal figure in Scotland's World Cup campaign.