Scotland's World Cup journey ended with barely a whimper, scoring just one goal across three matches against Morocco, Brazil and Bolivia. BBC Sport's Tom English delivers a scathing assessment of a campaign that saw the Tartan Army travel to America only to witness their team fail at the group stage once again. The players worked tirelessly but lacked the quality to compete against elite opposition.

Manager Steve Clarke faces mounting criticism despite signing a new four-year deal. His tactical setup drew complaints, though English suggests the problems run deeper than formations. Scotland's squad lacks genuine world-class talent, with many players struggling for regular minutes at their clubs. The team's average age and limited options from domestic football create a sustainability crisis.

English highlights individual concerns: Grant Hanley's defensive limitations, Scott McTominay's struggles against top midfielders, and Kieran Tierney's injury issues. Meanwhile, promising talents like Ben Gannon-Doak barely feature for Bournemouth. The root cause appears to be Scottish clubs' reluctance to trust young players, creating a cycle of underdevelopment.

Clarke's seven-year tenure has delivered three major championships, but this exit raises serious questions about progression. With several veterans likely retiring and younger players unproven, Scottish football faces a talent gap. The supporters deserve better than watching their honest but limited team fall short against superior opposition.