But when the first workout starts, that will become a steely resolve to be one of Steve Clarke’s final 26.
A few players have form and fitness to prove in a warm-up camp that includes friendlies against Gibraltar and Finland, but most spots in the Germany-bound squad are already locked down.
Here, Scotland selects the players who ought to make Clarke take a close look.
One of the four goalkeepers in Clarke’s preliminary roster will not play.
Angus Gunn of Norwich City is the best, therefore we’ll be seeing him in Germany. Zander Clark must undoubtedly qualify as well, given his steady playing time.
That leaves Liam Kelly, the captain of Motherwell, and Craig Gordon, his teammate at Tynecastle, who is leaving.
If everything is decided by what transpires on the field, then there is no discussion.
Kelly, whose contract is about to expire and who has been linked to a return to Rangers, participated in every minute of Motherwell’s league season, which lasted 38 games. His problem has been form.
Gordon, on the other hand, made just seven appearances overall, four of which were in the Scottish Cup, but there is no doubting his international credentials.
Under Clarke, the 41-year-old started 17 straight games until sustaining a catastrophic leg break in 2022 that prevented him from playing for over a year.
But over the next two weeks, if the seasoned stopper can prove his undeniable skill, he will cause Clarke a headache.
