Scott McTominay scored seven times in the qualiiers for the Euros as Scotland qualfied for their second European Championship in a row for the first time in their history.
Scotland are going to be hoping to take one step further this tournament than their last as they aim to make it into the knockout phase of the tournament for the first time in its history. However, their road will not be exactly plane sailing.
Scotland are in group A and their first game is one many fans may dread in the home nation, Germany. However, manager Steve Clarke has the opposite feeling, mentioning his team could upset the footballing powerhouse on the first night of the tournament. When asked on if an upset was a possibility for Friday Night, Clarke had the following to say. "Absolutely, That's why we're here. We feel as though we can get a good result every time we step on to the pitch. Otherwise, what’s the point in going on there? We feel we’re ready and hopefully you’ll see that pan out. Everyone is fully fit, flying and desperate to be selected. They’re ready to go."
After Germany however is when the group gets interesting as there is an expected three-horse race for the coveted second spot to qualify for the final 16. Firstly, there is Switzerland who are coming into the tournament on a four gme unbeaten run and look to bring it into the tournament. Their final foe in the group is Hungary. Hungary have recently been in good form, having won four of their last five international games prior to the tournament.
Scotland will be looking for clear areas in their team to step up. Arguably, the most important one that may need to step up in this group will be their defense. The first game against Germany will be crucial for this, who will most likely dominate the possession of the ball against Scotland.
One player who may be key to an upset is left back Andy Robertson. Robertson will especially be key in trying to get Scotldnad on the offensive and potentially create the chances to score. This Scotland team managed four clean sheets in their qualfiers and had beaten teams, such as Norway and Spain, showing that they can defeat better quality teams with their structure.
When moving into the attack however, McTominay stands out as the guy who could fire Scotland into the promise land of the knockout stages. His seven goals in eight qualifying matches was a huge reason for Scotland's qualification into their second straight European Championship. In addition to this, McTominay has scored ten goals in all competitions for Manchester United, including an FA Cup triumph.
Another player who could benefit the attack from the midfield area is Aston Villa star John McGinn. McGinn has three goals and two assists in his eight appearances in qualifying as well as ten goal involvements in the Premier League for Aston Villa this past season, his most productive season yet.
If these players turn up and are as effective as they usually are for their club and transform that form for their country then Scotland may well be able to do the impossible and be able to experience a knockout game.
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