Scotland are just one of the 24 teams who took part at the Euros 2024 in Germany. Here’s some amazing facts that will keep the Tartan Army happy!

1. Their first game was in 1872

Scotland’s first-ever game took place on home soil in Partick. The played England on November 30, 1872 and the game ended in a goalless draw. It would be the first of many fierce encounters between the neighbouring countries.

2. Their badge features the lion rampant

The Lion Rampant is found on the Royal Banner of Scotland, which is set on a yellow shield. The thistles represent the flower of Scotland, while the year 1873 denotes the year the Scottish Football Association was created.

3. The team play their home games at Hampden Park

Hampden Park is in Glasgow and was first opened in 1903. The ground is the home ground of Queen’s Park Football Club, who are one of the oldest football clubs in the world and hosts Scotland’s home fixtures. The ground’s capacity is 51,866 but once held 149,415 spectators when the national side took on England in 1937.

4. Their captain is Andrew Robertson

This Glasgow-born left back has spent his club career playing for Queen’s Park, Dundee United, Hull City and Liverpool. He began his international career in 2014 and was made captain in September 2018.

5. Their fans are called the Tartan Army

The most dedicated part of the Scotland fanbase became known as the Tartan Army in the 1970s. They’ve also won awards for their friendly behaviour and charity work. And we’re sure if there was a prize for the loudest supporters, they’d be in with a shout of winning.

6. The Scottish Women’s Team began playing in 1972

Like the men’s team, the Scottish women’s side began their international journey by taking on England in their first ever match. The home game took place at Greenock in November 1972, and were beaten 3-2. They’re currently ranked 23rd in the world.

7. Their rivals are England

Scotland and England are fierce rivals, due to their proximity and history. Over the years, they’ve played 116 matches to date, with England winning 49 of those fixtures. The two teams have drawn 41 times, and Scotland have won 26 times.

8. They have two highest scorers

Two Scottish players are in the record books for scoring the most times for their country. Former Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish and Manchester United and Manchester City forward Denis Law have both hit the net 30 times!

9. They’re placed — in the FIFA World Rankings

At the beginning of the European Championships in 2024, Scotland were ranked 39th in the world. Their lowest placing was 88th in March 2005.

10. Their biggest win was against Ireland

On February 23, 1901, Scotland took on Ireland in Glasgow. It was the setting for their biggest victory as they put 11 goals past their opponents!

11. Their biggest defeat was against Uruguay

Scotland took part in the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. Their group match against Uruguay could be described as a disaster, as they were beaten 7-0 in Basel.

12. Their head coach is Steve Clarke

Steve Clarke played club football for Beith Juniors, St Mirren and Chelsea, as well as 6 appearances for Scotland. He managed a number of teams – Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion, Reading and Kilmarnock – before being appointed the national side’s manager in 2019.

13. Kenny Dalglish is their most-capped player

Sir Kenny Dalglish holds the record for the most amount of Scottish caps. In an international career which spanned from 1971 to 1986, he played 102 times as well as scoring those 30 goals.

14. Scotland’s fastest goal happened in 70 seconds

In a 2001 match against Belgium, Billy Dodds opened the Scottish team’s account in 1 minute and 10 seconds at Hampden Park, Glasgow. He scored 28 minutes later in a game which ended in a 2-2 draw.

15. They’re the joint oldest national football team in the world

Remember the first fact in this list? Both Scotland and England are the oldest teams in international football, and have been a footie institution for over 150 years.