Though, for all the headline may read two Euros achieved, there’s been some seriously rocky moments over the past few years.
In those six games across both Euros, Scotland never – with perhaps a slight claim against Switzerland last summer – looked deserving of winning any of them. The goal difference reads 12-3 against.
However, it’s the landscape across the piece that offers a note of caution before stepping into World Cup qualifying against the Danes on Friday.
After a heroic start to Euro 2024 qualification where Spain and Norway were put away, a run then began of just one win in 16. And that came against Gibraltar.
Thankfully, that run has been arrested with only two defeats from their past seven as Scotland sling shot into this seismic campaign. But this team’s habit of switching on and off their mojo – most notably in the World Cup play-off against Ukraine in 2022 – will offer a sense of trepidation for those fans gathering in Copenhagen.
Not losing in Denmark was the main objective for Scotland and they did it well. In truth, with some better finishing from Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes, it could have been an even better story as Clarke’s team departed Copenhagen.
Up next is Belarus where three points would leave Scotland, regardless of the result between Greece and Denmark, in a strong position. A draw in that game will be what the Scots will be looking for, meaning both group rivals will have dropped points at home, with the Greeks down two home ties already.
There is Ballon d’Or nominee Scott McTominay, Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson, and Champions League winner and Scotland skipper Andy Robertson in the dark blue ranks. Key players such as the Liverpool left-back and John McGinn may be seeing this as their last opportunity to grace the biggest stage of all.
It’s a collective rich with experience and heart, which now has a sprinkling of youthful zeal in the form of Gannon-Doak, Johnston, Udinese’s Lennon Miller and Hibernian hot shot Kieron Bowie.
Scotland’s Clarke has taken its first step in what could be his last dance towards World Cup qualification. Not stumbling against Belarus is now a must to keep the journey on track.