Scotland Under-21s flounder in Euro 2027 qualifiers as questions grow over Scot Gemmill's nine-year tenure

Scotland's Under-21 side opened their Euro 2027 qualifying campaign with consecutive defeats — to the Czech Republic and Portugal — leaving them bottom of a five-team group and renewing scrutiny of manager Scot Gemmill's record in the role.

The losses, which followed a campaign in which Portugal and the Czechs emerged as early favourites to progress, have left Scotland facing a difficult path to qualification in a group that also includes Bulgaria, Azerbaijan and Gibraltar. Gemmill has been in charge of the Under-21s since 2016 and has won 18 of 62 matches during his nine years at the helm.

The recent defeats mean Gemmill looks set to add a fifth failure to reach a major tournament to his record. The Scotland Under-21s have not qualified for a finals competition since 1996, and media and pundits have highlighted the gulf between the U21s' results and the optimism surrounding the senior national team, which has taken four points from its opening two World Cup qualifiers under Steve Clarke.

Gemmill's tenure has delivered limited success in terms of wins and tournament qualification. In addition to his 18 victories from 62 matches, his teams have failed to reach a major U21 tournament on four previous occasions. Critics point to the absence of a consistent style of play and uneven squad selection as factors behind the poor results, while supporters of the coach note the broader structural issues affecting Scottish youth football.

Several players who progressed to the senior squad had brief spells with Gemmill's Under-21s, but their cases highlight wider questions about the pathway. Ben Gannon-Doak won seven Under-21 caps under Gemmill before moving to the senior side; Billy Gilmour made 12 appearances; Josh Doig and Max Johnston each recorded 10 caps; Lewis Ferguson 11; and Kieron Bowie seven. Observers argue those players' club form and individual qualities were primary drivers of their elevation rather than prolonged Under-21 development under Gemmill.

A Scottish Football Association report published last year added broader context to the debate by identifying systemic shortcomings in domestic youth development. The report said players under 21 in Scotland were receiving fewer minutes in the top flight than counterparts in countries such as Denmark, Norway and Croatia, and that Scottish clubs were also providing less exposure in European competitions than some smaller nations. The SFA said Scottish football was "significantly underachieving its potential" in nurturing young talent.

When the report was released, Gemmill described the challenge as having "no silver bullet," saying improvements would require coordinated efforts across clubs and the national setup. He has repeatedly defended the Under-21s' role as a pathway to the senior team, arguing development rather than short-term results is a key priority for the age group.

Still, the pattern of limited international success under Gemmill has prompted calls from commentators and some supporters for a change in direction. Critics say other footballing nations give young players a more consistent platform at Under-21 level, often offering 20-plus caps that build experience and cohesion before promotion to senior ranks. Scotland's approach, they argue, has been more intermittent, with fewer players receiving prolonged exposure at Under-21 level.

The Scottish FA has continued to back Gemmill despite the results, a position that has itself become a subject of debate in Scottish football circles. Supporters of the association's stance point to the complex causes of underperformance across youth football, including club policies on player minutes and the limited number of domestic game opportunities. Detractors say ongoing poor results and an absence of tournament experience under Gemmill demonstrate a need for fresh ideas and a strategic reassessment of the Under-21 coaching role.

Scotland's Under-21s will have further qualifying fixtures ahead that could provide clarity on whether the current campaign can be salvaged. The immediate priority for the side is to arrest the slide in results and give younger players competitive international minutes; for the SFA and Gemmill, the broader debate over development strategy and managerial accountability is likely to continue as the qualification campaign progresses.