World Cup 2026: Lyndon Dykes – Scotland striker set for battle with Morocco

Morocco, next. big test Scotland are now underdogs. Is Dykes ready for a huge move? “I’m always ready. I always give my best and wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m ready for whatever role I play.”

Charisma is hard to miss, eloquence, attitude, confidence.

“The way I’ve come through football, I’ve achieved what I’ve got,” he says. “Scottish people, in general, we’re fighters. We want to go out and prove everybody wrong. We’re not just going to roll over and take it. It gives you that burning feeling in your stomach.

“We can definitely get two more wins in this tournament. It’s going to be tough but I believe in myself, I believe in my team and I believe in the manager and all the fans who helped us win games.”

Morocco has world-class players and is a serious team, he said. Scotland can’t just sit back and soak up their pressure. “That’s not how we want to be. We want to be dangerous.”

Dykes will likely start on the bench against Morocco, but at least he’s here.

Ollie McBurney and Kieron Bowie were both hotly debated in the squad announcements, but Clarke chose Dykes ahead of them. He knows her and trusts her and the feeling is mutual.

You feel the player can do anything for the manager.

“Ever since I came to Scotland, people have seen what I’ve been through,” Dykes said. “I am in double figures for goals. I was involved in making the tournament and I am very grateful to him (Clarke).

“When I first spoke to him, he said it’s not a given that you’re always going to be called, you have to make sure you prove yourself.

“I think I always do that, even if some say I’m not scoring enough goals. I do more in other aspects to help the team.”

He’ll be called back in Boston on Friday, a part, perhaps, but a part he’ll enjoy. Morocco will not miss him; Bald and fighting and up for battle.