Scotland Banking on McGinn to Shine at Euro 2024

John McGinn

John McGinn has already made waves in Germany, going viral for his attempt at Bavarian folk dancing. Now, the Scotland midfielder is poised to spoil the hosts' party in Euro 2024's opening game on Friday.

The 29-year-old's exuberant personality is matched by his on-field importance to Steve Clarke's squad. McGinn has been a driving force in bringing Scotland back to international prominence. This tournament marks just Scotland's second major competition appearance since 1998, with McGinn playing a crucial role in their run to Euro 2020.

After a disappointing exit on home soil without a win three years ago, Scotland is determined to make a stronger impact this time. Following their opener against Germany, they face Switzerland and Hungary—games that offer a more manageable path to the four points Clarke is targeting to reach the knockout stages for the first time.

An estimated 150,000 Scottish fans are expected to travel to Munich, dreaming of an upset against the three-time European champions. If Scotland is to achieve one of their greatest results at the Allianz Arena, McGinn will likely be at the heart of it.

Since Clarke took charge in 2019, McGinn has scored all of his 18 international goals, making him the top scorer in the squad by a considerable margin.

"Just Not on the Bench": McGinn's Journey from Aston Villa to Euro 2024

John McGinn's resurgence on the international stage has paralleled a remarkable turnaround in his club career at Aston Villa. The midfielder confessed that he thought his time at the Premier League club might be over as he found himself sidelined towards the end of Steven Gerrard's tenure.

However, McGinn has become central to Unai Emery's transformation of Villa over the past two seasons and will play Champions League football for the first time next season. Reflecting on one of his first conversations with Emery, McGinn said, "He asked, 'What is your preferred position?' and I said, 'Just not on the bench like the last few games.'"

Emery questioned McGinn's contrasting form for Scotland and Villa, saying, "Why are you scoring like this for Scotland and not for Aston Villa?" McGinn credits Steve Clarke for his improvement, noting, "Maybe thank you to Steve Clarke for putting me higher up the pitch."

Clarke's decision to push McGinn closer to the goal was driven by necessity and tactical ingenuity, addressing Scotland's long-standing issue of lacking a prolific number nine. This approach has also benefited Manchester United's Scott McTominay, who ended the season in a more advanced role after scoring seven goals in Euro 2024 qualifying, including both in a 2-0 win over Spain.

McGinn contributed three goals in qualifying and has embraced a leadership role, both on and off the pitch. Known for his lively personality, McGinn is also the dressing room's entertainer. "He's the life and soul of the boys," said Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes, who has remained with the squad despite being ruled out of the tournament due to injury. "He's always got puns coming out left, right, and centre. I think he must sit in his room and think about things he's going to say the next day because I don't know where he pulls them from."

Despite his jovial nature, McGinn possesses a steely determination to succeed, which has characterized Scotland's rise under Clarke. Overlooked by Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers, McGinn made his name at St. Mirren and Hibernian before joining Villa while they were still in England's second tier. Having fought his way to the top with both club and country, the biggest game of his career now awaits on Friday, with Germany in McGinn's sights.