SCOTLAND

Robertson remains in close pursuit of Kenny Dalglish’s record of 102 caps for Scotland. The left-back’s story is widely known; having been released by Celtic, he stacked shelves in Asda and played as an amateur for Queen’s Park. “Life is rubbish at this age with no money,” posted Robertson on social media in 2012. Seven years later, he was a Champions League winner. Robertson’s career took off at Dundee United and Hull City but was placed on another level by Jürgen Klopp. Captaincy of Scotland initially looked a heavy burden for Robertson but he has looked comfortable in the role for a long time now. One of a number of Scotland players who may privately sense this marks their final World Cup opportunity.

Did he launch himself 8ft, 18ft or 88ft into the air before planting an outrageous overhead kick beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel? Who cares? McTominay’s opening goal against Denmark set the tone for a remarkable night as Scotland ended almost three decades of World Cup hurt. Alex McLeish’s greatest gift to his nation during a second spell as the Scotland manager was convincing McTominay to don navy blue. Without McLeish’s refusal to take no for an answer, the Lancaster-born McTominay could be an England player by now. Instead, he is idolised by the Tartan Army. There is lauding, too, in Naples, after he was part of the 2024-25 Scudetto winning squad. “If Diego was God, then Scott is Jesus,” insisted Diego Maradona Jnr, in reference to the status both his father and McTominay have secured in the eyes of Napoli fans. McTominay will arrive at the World Cup with a point to prove, having disappointed in Euro 2024.

It remains extraordinary in a way that McGinn has forged a top level career at all. In 2015, a spot of high jinks at St Mirren’s training ground saw team-mate Steven Thompson throw a spiked pole at McGinn. The pole cut McGinn deeply and tore a muscle. “There was a lot of blood,” McGinn said. “I just remember looking down and being glad the pole came back out.” Whether through fear over the impact of that incident or otherwise, there were a shortage of takers when McGinn decided to leave Paisley. Hibernian took a chance and the rest is history. McGinn excelled in Edinburgh and has become a fan favourite at Aston Villa. The Tartan Army hold the midfielder nicknamed “Meatball” in similarly lofty esteem.

Gannon-Doak recently revealed how he reconnected with religion after leaving home as a 16-year-old to join Liverpool. “I think God just keeps you grounded and humble because he always tells us that we wouldn't have any of this without him,” he said. “I heavily rely on God to keep me strong.” Gannon-Doak excelled in Celtic’s youth system before being coaxed to Anfield. Jürgen Klopp was a fan. However, a combination of injuries and Klopp’s exit stalled the winger’s progress. He then opted to kickstart his career at Bournemouth. Steve Clarke has sought to temper excitement around Gannon-Doak but the noise is understandable. This player can be a genuine difference-maker for the Scots. He has directness and electric pace, which on one Nations League evening against Croatia visibly terrified £77m full back Josko Gvardiol.