3 Reasons Why Scotland Might Just Surprise You at the Euros

I did consider writing this before the two friendly matches unless I had egg on my coupon straight away in the event we got horsed by the Netherlands and limped against Luxembourg. But thankfully, we did neither(…ish!)

I’m far too excited for this tournament to start. I know my WhatsApp have muted me, I'm sorry lads. But the last time we were in this position I was in primary school. We have waited just the twenty three (23) years to see the Scotland men’s national team back on the big stage so we’d might as well have a jolly.

And without sounding like the “ITS COMING HOME…THIS TIME…EVERY TOURNAMENT” brigade, there’s no reason why some of the Tartan Army shouldn’t be having a wee optimistic peek at week two of the tournament. 

And here’s just three reasons why:

Weeeeee’ve got McGinn, super John McG…

You know the rest! It’s true – we DO have John McGinn, a very good all round midfielder . But dare we be ambitious and say we’ve also got one of the best left hand sides in European football in Tierney and Robertson?

We’ve also got two strikers in Lyndon Dykes and McChe McAdams who link well, are busy and a handful. We’ve also got the exceptionally talented young trio Billy Gilmour (a European champion, isn’t he?) David Turnbull and Nathan Patterson. Scott McTominay and Callum McGregor are hardly tinpot too. Neither are Fraser, Forrest and Christie if looking for a change of fortune, offering something different.

And if faced against a penalty…the taker would be as well throwing it back to Sir Marsh.

There’s a lot to like about the squad - it’s a very decent yet unassuming group who might just surprise a few opponents.

We’ve got the best coach in the group

You may call this bold but I can assure you it’s not. Quickly Google the 4 head coaches and have a look. Steve Clarke’s coaching background is superb - you don’t get appointed by Jose Mourinho and Sir Kenny to work at Chelsea and Liverpool respectively if you’re a mug. Can you seriously argue that Gareth Southgate would have lifted Kilmarnock from rank bottom to 3rd place in the Scottish Premiership in little over 18 months?

England, Croatia and Czech Republic isn’t a dawdle of a group by any stretch. They may have more quality players at their disposal by way of looking at the team sheets, but it’s not team sheets that win football matches - it’s coaches and players. And although you can argue the toss about who has a better team on paper, Scotland have the best coach in the dugout in Group D.

We’re at Home!

Home advantage. Twice!

Despite the limited number of the Tartan Army at Hampden, it’ll still be a home fixture and a noisy occasion. So in terms of a welcome back to competition football, this lot will feel far more at home (literally) than they could have asked for elsewhere.

Scotland are a tasty looking 11/8 to just get out the group (Skybet) – which is quite possible by just finishing 3rd in this format. Being home twice, is surely a great opportunity to pick up the points.

I’m not sure how far we will go. But the out of office is on next Monday afternoon, pies have been ordered, the mini keg has been ordered (thanks Cold Town Beer - sensational website too) and the shirt is hanging ready to be worn. 

What do you think – ridiculously ambitious with Tartan tinted shades on or maybe (just maybe) will this the tournament that makes the 23 year wait worth it?

Mon!