Arsenal outcast Kieran Tierney is facing an uncertain future, and needs a strong Euro 2024 campaign with Scotland to help his reputation.
Tierney looks set to leave Arsenal in the summer window, having spent the season on loan at Real Sociedad, who elected not to keep him as a result of his ongoing injury problems.
A strong campaign with Scotland could have increased transfer interest in him and given Tierney a confidence boost, but his side got off to the worst possible start as they were thrashed 5-1 by Germany in the opening game.
The Arsenal ace was far from the worst performer, but fans have now pointed out one moment early on in the game in which he celebrated a clearance with gusto, and he is now being mercilessly mocked given that it was a fairly simple clearance in the third minute of the game.
Fans mock Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney for celebrating a clearance in Scotland defeat
In the opening few minutes, Tierney found himself closing down Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala, and managed to frustrate him by challenging him for the ball and winning a goal kick.
The Arsenal full-back celebrated with Andy Robertson, but that was as good as the evening got for him, as Scotland were torn apart by a Germany team with Kai Havertz thriving whilst leading the line.
“Imagine this being the peak of your tournament,” one fan jokingly posted on X.
“I did think Scotland were in trouble when Kieran Tierney celebrated winning a goal kick in the 3rd minute,” another stated.
“At least Tierney got to celebrate winning a goal kick in the 3rd minute,” one joked.
Scotland fans were in full voice heading into the game, but they were silenced, and fans were quick to highlight their change in fortunes.
“200,000 Scotland fans in Munich and the highlight of their night is Kieran Tierney winning a goal-kick,” one posted.
There was little sympathy for the 26-year-old, and questions will now be raised over Scotland’s chances of qualification from the group.
“Tierney was celebrating winning a goal kick, 4 mins into the first game of the tournament. 15 mins later his team are blown away,” one fan added.
Kieran Tierney and Scotland in difficult position after Germany thrashing
Scotland’s negative goal difference will now make qualification from the Euro 2024 group stage difficult, but not impossible.
They will now face a Switzerland side led by Granit Xhaka before a final group game against Hungary. Scotland will need Tierney to be at his best, as they may not be able to afford another defeat.
Tierney is running out of time to impress at the Euros, and put himself in the shop window to earn himself a good move away this summer, with it clear that he and Arsenal are set to part ways for good.
Arsenal players and transfer targets at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode of Cannon Fire – The Arsenal Insider Podcast, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discuss the European Championships. With 11 Arsenal players set to feature at the tournament, the pair debated which players could be fighting for their futures, and which are destined to succeed on the international stage.