Scotland kept their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 alive as they drew 1-1 with Switzerland on Wednesday night.
Having lost the tournament opener 5-1 to hosts Germany, Scotland knew they had to get at least a point against the Swiss in order to have something to play for against Hungary in their final group game on Sunday.
John McGinn is crucial for his country – as he is for Aston Villa – and started as a second striker in his 67th cap for Scotland.
Things started to plan for Steve Clarke’s side, with Scotland taking an early lead through a deflected Scott McTominay strike but they were pegged back just 13 minutes later as Xherdan Shaqiri latched onto a loose Anthony Ralston pass to fire past Angus Gunn.
McGinn is fresh off the back of an incredibly successful season at Villa in which he was pivotal to securing a Champions League place and he will be keen to extend the campaign by getting to the round of 16 at the Euros.
Scottish media react to John McGinn’s performance v Switzerland
McGinn is incredibly versatile, with Villa manager Unai Emery having deployed the 29-year-old in most positions possible in midfield.
For Scotland, the live-wire does tend to operate as a support striker in their direct style and it is arguable that it does not always get the best out of McGinn.
He has struggled to have the same level of influence as he does for Villa at the Euros so far and will be keen to improve against Hungary.
Scottish media could not agree on how they assessed McGinn’s performance in the Switzerland draw, though, with one outlet rating him a seven out of ten, two a six and one a five.
The Scotsman were the harshest in their feedback for McGinn, as they gave him a five and said: ‘Played at times a second striker and was very lively in the press.
Did not see much of the ball in opening half and endured a frustrating second half, picking up a booking later in the game for a challenge on Fabian Schar.’
The Edinburgh Evening News scored McGinn a six and said: ‘Probably not his best match in a Scotland shirt but not a poor performance. Another who enjoyed the physical battle.’
The Scottish Sun also felt the Scotland man’s performance was worthy of a six, saying: ‘By his own admission, the poster boy of the Tartan Army just hasn’t got going in the Euros.
Left chasing shadows in Munich, he was on the fringes of the action again against Switzerland.’
The Herald were more impressed, giving McGinn a seven and adding: ‘All over the pitch and made his presence felt in wide areas and down the inside-left channel. Snapped at the heels of his opponents from start to finish.’
Can McGinn’s Scotland progress at Euro 2024?
Germany beat Hungary prior to Scotland facing off against Switzerland, meaning the hosts have already booked their place in the next round.
However, the results of match-day two leave it all to play for in Group A as Switzerland have four points, Scotland have one and Hungary are yet to get a point on the board.
This year’s competition has seen an extra round added, which means that half of the third-placed teams in the group stages will qualify for the round of 16.
This gives Scotland greater hope of progressing but it is unlikely that a draw against Hungary would be enough to get them through so they need a win in their final game regardless.
It won’t be easy, with Hungary a good side despite their two defeats and they had gone 14 games without losing prior to their pre-tournament friendlies.
McGinn and co. will be desperate to progress and it is sure to be a cagey affair in their final group game this weekend.
The post 'Frustrating': Scottish media react to Aston Villa star John McGinn's display v Switzerland at Euro 2024 appeared first on Aston Villa News.