Scotland Prepares for World Cup Qualifier Against Belarus
World Cup Qualifying: Belarus vs Scotland
Venue: ZTE Arena, Zalaegerszeg Date: Monday, 8 September Time: 19:45 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer; listen live on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Scotland; follow live updates, goal clips, and join the conversation on the BBC Sport website and app.
Following a recent draw with Denmark, Scotland's John McGinn and his teammates enjoyed a quiet evening, opting for a simple night of rest after their commendable performance. McGinn, the captain of Aston Villa, helped Scotland secure an important away point against the top seeds of Group C.
In contrast, many members of the Tartan Army celebrated McGinn's standout performance with drinks in Copenhagen. As attention turns to the upcoming match against Belarus in Hungary, where fans will not be present, Scotland looks to secure three points against a lower-ranked opponent. A successful start to this short campaign could elevate hopes for next summer's tournament in North America.
McGinn shared insights about the team's mindset regarding the World Cup, emphasizing that while players may not frequently discuss it in large groups, there is a collective excitement about the possibility of making history. He remarked, "We’ve had the experience of going to major tournaments, but I think going to a World Cup would eclipse that. Everyone wants to achieve their own personal dreams, and we can only achieve that by being together and being stronger."
The interview with McGinn was delayed due to a flight issue, allowing the squad some time for sightseeing in Copenhagen. While some players trained, others explored the city. McGinn, known for his energetic personality, reflected on his day, noting that he has moved away from video games and now prefers to engage with teammates or rest when not training.
Despite being surrounded by enthusiastic fans, McGinn remains grounded and is grateful to represent Scotland. His relatable nature, combined with his consistent high-level performance, has endeared him to the Tartan Army. He acknowledged the growth of younger players in the squad, stating, "The young boys are a lot different to when I was coming into the squad. They’re not as nervous anymore. Football has changed, and the boys are a lot more comfortable coming into the environment, which is good."
McGinn expressed confidence in the younger generation's readiness to step up and contribute as the squad evolves. The team's recent performance against Denmark highlighted that there is still plenty of life left in the experienced players, ensuring a competitive atmosphere as they prepare for the challenges ahead.