Scotland: Manchester United midfielder replaces Billy Gilmour in World Cup squad | OneFootball

Deadline for Steve Clarke to submit his final 26-man squad for the World Cup is looming

Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher has been added to Scotland’s World Cup squad.

Scotland, who will take part in their first World Cup since 1998 later this summer, have suffered a huge injury blow with Napoli star Billy Gilmour ruled out of the tournament.

The former Chelsea midfielder sustained a knee injury during Saturday’s friendly win over Curacao and will play no part in North America, with Fletcher being confirmed as his replacement ahead of the squad deadline on Monday, June 1.

A statement reads: Following the news of Billy Gilmour's injury we can confirm that 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher has been added to our World Cup squad after making his debut against Curacao yesterday.

“Welcome aboard, Tyler.”

Clarke has said he was devastated for Gilmour but raised the prospect of Fletcher being drafted in after heaping praise on the Man Utd teenager.

"I've got Connor Barron, Andy Irving, Lennon Miller, and you see for yourself how good young Tyler is,” Clarke said.

"The three that I mentioned are on standby. Obviously, Tyler joined us this week. He's trained well this week, so he's a little bit closer than the other three, but I'd need to have a big discussion with my staff and decide the best way to go.

"I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign. The timing of this injury is so, so cruel, and we all feel for him," Clarke said.

"He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person, and while no words will give him any comfort, I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future."

Tyler Fletcher is in Scotland’s final 26-man World Cup squad

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Fletcher, the son of Man United manager, Darren, and twin brother of Jack, made two senior appearances for the club during the 2025-26 season.

While Fletcher has played youth international football for England at under-15, under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels, he has decided to represent Scotland at senior level and wants to beat his dad’s tally of 80 caps for the national team.