«Мне жаль Шотландию — кто-то подводит эту страну в огромных масштабах», — Иэн Райт обрушился с резкой критикой на состояние шотландского футбола.

Scottish football needs a 'bolder, braver vision' if the national side are to kick on from their current position, according to Ian Wright.

The former England and Arsenal striker, who also had a brief spell at Celtic, says he feels sorry for Scottish fans who have endured decades of watching their side struggle to qualify for major tournaments.

Their 3-0 defeat to Brazil now leaves Scotland hanging on to see if three points and a goal difference of minus three will be enough to get them into the knockout stage of a competition for the first time in their history.

Play our FREE match predictor and win £1k

"There's got to be a bolder, braver vision for Scottish football" - Ian Wright

Scotland fans have had decades of misery (Image credit: Getty Images)

Wright drew a comparison with the Norwegian league as a potential example for Scotland to follow.

Both countries have populations in the region of 5.5m-5.6 people - but Norway has produced world-class players like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, and last season saw Bodo/Glimt reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

"They are letting down this country on a massive scale"@IanWright0 looks at Scotland's football vision and future moving forward... 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎙️ @markpougatch pic.twitter.com/S6qJDj9E8HJune 24, 2026

Speaking on ITV, Wright said of the Scottish international side: "What was it, two shots on target in [their first] two games, and none in the Morocco game?

"I feel I feel sorry for Scotland, I feel sorry for the fans, I feel sorry for everything. I think Laura [Woods] asked me a question the other day about Scotland: 'What can they do next?' And I think it goes a lot deeper than that.

"I think when you look at Norway, a country the same same size as Scotland...[the Norwegian league is] averaging 6,000-7,000 on a weekly basis in attendance.

"In Scotland, they're averaging 16,000 - but Norway have managed to get broadcast deal that was £25m more a year than Scotland.

"Obviously they've got a better commercial outfit than [Scotland] - but at the same time, you look at Scotland and their raw materials, you're looking at amazing attendances; talents; you're looking at storylines; you're looking at grassroots participation.

Bodo/Glimt played Champions League football in a stadium holding just 8,270 fans last season (Image credit: Getty Images)

"Somebody in Scotland is letting down this country on a massive scale.

"[The fans are] very proud of them, going all over the world on tour.

"But they (the Scottish game) have got to do more. There's got to be a bolder, braver vision for Scottish football, for me."