Scotland will be buoyed by qualifying for back-to-back European championships. The Tartan Army have been given a tough group alongside Switzerland, Hungary and European powerhouse Germany. The highlight of the qualifiers was undoubtedly the 2-0 triumph over Spain, and Steve Clarke’s men will be looking to cause a similar shock against Germany in the opening game of Euro 2024 on June 14. Last Word on Football looks at three Scotland players to look out for in Euro 2024.
Three Key Scotland Players for Euro 2024
John McGinn
John McGinn is a vital weapon for Clarke’s men, with the Tartan Army relying on the Villa star to impact the game in forward areas. The 29-year-old will lead the press for Scotland, which he is so effective at for Villa. He’s brilliant at finding space and making himself available for teammates while being calm and composed in possession, which will be vital in the competition when Scotland are under pressure. McGinn is brilliant at winning the ball back and will look to unsettle the opposition and lead by example.
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For the national team, he plays much higher up the pitch than he does for Villa, and during the qualification he showed how dangerous he is, as he created two vital goals in a late come-from-behind win against Norway on matchday three of qualification for Euro 2024. The Villa man is a key part of Steve Clarke’s plan for the Euros, and they will look to the midfield man to lead by example.
Billy Gilmour
Billy Gilmour is an exceptional young player who showed his class, when at Chelsea and has enjoyed success at Brighton. During the Euros, Scotland will need to keep possession well and Gilmour is adept at keeping things ticking over. The 22-year-old is great at finding space to receive the ball and calm in possession, which will be vital for the Tartan Army during the Euros. His passing is accurate, and he keeps things simple, enabling the likes of McGinn and Scott McTominay to influence the game further forward.
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There’s no guarantee the Brighton man will start, but Clarke will need his ability to find space and pick a pass under pressure. After a difficult few years, trying to break in at Chelsea and being sent out on loan, it appears the 22-year-old is primed to show his ability on the international stage.
Che Adams
Ché Adams will be the focal point of the Scotland attack and he’s perfect for the job. The Tartan Army will be under pressure at different times, especially against Germany and having the Southampton man as an outlet will be needed.
Adams’ hold-up play is impressive. He is a great pin man, happy to play with his back to goal, but he’s also adept at peeling off and running the channels. He will look to unsettle opposition defenders and create space for his teammates to exploit, which will be music to the ears of McGinn and McTominay. Scotland will not be coming to the Euros to make up the numbers and will have their eyes on reaching the knockout stages, and Adams will be vital to their hopes of achieving that.
