LAST 16’SSTILL WITHINREACH
JAMES McFADDEN believes Scotland can bounce back from their 5-1 Munich mauling to reach the knockout stages of the
Euro Championships.
Steve Clarke’s side were embarrassed by rampant hosts Germany on a horror Friday night.
But Tartan Army icon Faddy is backing them to show their quality and get the results needed against Switzerland and Hungary to reach the last 16.
The former Scotland and Everton star said: “They now need to go and show the best version of themselves.
“Because of the players that we have in the squad, an early exit would be a real disappointment.
“The players and manager would be really disappointed if we don’t make it through.
“I think because of how well the team has done in recent times – certainly in qualifying – they have to find a way of getting through the group.”
McFadden believes the experience of players such as skipper Andy Robertson, John McGinn, Scott McTominay and Kieran Tierney will now prove key if Scotland are to turn things round.
He said: “I’d also throw Callum McGregor into the mix too, he’s the captain of Celtic, an outstanding player who has won trophy after trophy.
“The players are still all together, they look to the key guys for leadership and guidance but it’s a team and squad full of leaders and that’s vital.
“Hopefully the players
use that to perform better than they did at the last Euros – even if the
Germany result is such a huge setback.”
McFadden also believes 32-goal Hearts striker and Premiership Player of the Year Lawrence Shankland could be a secret weapon for gaffer Clarke.
Lone striker Che Adams was hooked at half-time in Munich following Ryan Porteous’ horror red card.
And McFadden added: “Shankland has come in off the back of an amazing season at Hearts.
“Around September time it was ‘can he force his way into the squad?’ and now it’s down to who starts. He’s done magnificently well.
“Adams is still the No.1 striker but Shankland is a finisher and goalscorer.
“Whenever Shankland has played he’s done really well, his hold-up play and link-up play has been great.
“If you give him chances you know he will score goals. I also think Tommy Conway could be a wildcard option that surprises a few people as well, if he gets minutes. We still have very decent options.”
There is live coverage of Euro 24 across BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio, BBC Sounds and Online.