The Tartan Army were given a harsh reality check on Friday night in Munich as Scotland were thumped 5-1 by Germany.
The Euros opener couldn’t have gone any worse for Steve Clarke’s side, who couldn’t get close to the hosts. German pressure was constant, and Scotland was unable to escape their own half.
Scotland’s John McGinn and Callum McGregor Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Four Celts – Greg Taylor, James Forrest, Callum McGregor, and Anthony Ralston – were in the matchday squad for the Scots, with the two latter among the starters. Nor McGregor or Ralston, though, captured the imagination.
The Hoops’ skipper came off with just over 20 minutes to go after a performance that was by no means impressive.
McGregor was arguably key – for all the wrong reasons – in the build-up to Germany’s second goal.
He didn’t get close enough to Ilkay Gundogan in midfield before being turned to great effect by Jamal Musiala in the box, who then slammed home.
It was a sobering night for the 31-year-old, who, after being bitterly put down by Graeme Souness, has now come in for criticism at the hands of legendary Manchester United midfielder now-turned-pundit, Roy Keane.
He said (live on ITV via RecordSport): “Look at McGregor here, you cannot gamble in the middle of the park against these players.
“There is no need. Stay goal side. He is an experienced player, use your head.”
With Scotland now bottom of Group A, bouncing back against Switzerland on Wednesday is a must. Four points can get them to the last 16 of the Euros but right now, that feels like a fever dream.
