John McGinn has vowed there will be no repeat of his infamous Lederhosen dancing as Scotland prepares for the World Cup, reflecting on the lessons learned from Euro 2024. The Scotland midfielder is acutely aware of the expectations back home ahead of the nation's long-awaited return to the big stage.
Lessons from Euro 2024
McGinn admits he has learned some heavy lessons along the way. Two years ago, he turned up for his first day in camp in Bavaria at the Euros and made headlines by dressing up in Lederhosen and doing a funny dance while wearing a silly hat. But that was about as good as it got for McGinn and Steve Clarke's players during that tournament. Things feel very different this time around.
McGinn was back on stage as Scotland settled into their new basecamp in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Atrium Health Performance Centre. This time, he was there to handle questions, not to get laughs. The questions ranged from a grilling by unhappy Norwegians about a cancelled bounce match to murals on walls back home, the challenge of keeping his shirt, and the flashback to his first-day comedy act in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
A New Approach
McGinn dealt with all questions without missing a beat. The overriding takeaway is that this is a man who has turned up in the USA looking to put on a very different kind of show this summer. "Do I regret that? Maybe," he said when reminded of his big entry in Germany. "But at that point I'm not thinking we wouldn't be successful. I had belief at that time. I just thought when you're in Germany, they were looking for a volunteer and obviously this mug was number one."
"Let's just say, there won't be much dancing getting done before this tournament. But if we manage to get through the group stages then I'll put that outfit back on and do the dancing all over again!" That promise, even if delivered with tongue in cheek, indicates a different vibe ahead of the big kick-off against Haiti in Boston on Saturday night. The players appear to be taking this one very seriously.
Elevated Facilities and Expectations
They are aware that the boat has been pushed out on their behalf. The facilities in Florida and Charlotte are on a different level from those in Garmisch. From hotels to training pitches, Scotland have gone gold star. The players are acutely aware of the noise building back home as a nation dares to dream.
McGinn, skipper Andy Robertson, and talisman Scott McTominay have been painted on the side of buildings. McGinn says they don't intend to return until similar artworks are springing up all over the country. A giant mural in his hometown of Clydebank has filled him with pride. "Hopefully it can inspire young kids from Clydebank to know they're one of their own on the world's biggest stage," he said.
"It's been a long time since we've seen this kind of thing with Scotland players. It puts a smile on my face to see the excitement of children again. I see it in Erskine, dropping my niece and nephews off at school. It's not actually that enjoyable anymore because you don't really see them going in - you get all the kids outside wanting a selfie! But it's amazing that they've got people to look up to from their own country on the world's biggest stage again."
A Personal Full Circle
For McGinn, this summer also represents a personal full circle. He first came to the USA more than a decade ago hoping for a chance to kick-start his career in the MLS after being overlooked as a free agent by every top-flight club in Scotland. He returns as a European trophy-winning captain and a national icon. The irony is not lost on him.
"It was Houston Dynamo ten or 11 years ago, and it was probably a sliding doors moment. I have never been afraid to try something different. At that time it had been a very disappointing year for me. I felt as though I needed a fresh start. Owen Coyle and Sandy Stewart were in charge - they were great with me - and I agreed to sign. But there was some red tape that prevented the deal from going through."
"Was it a blessing? Could I have been here my whole career? I don't know. But it was certainly a big moment in my career, and it could look very different now." A crestfallen McGinn returned home and was given a relaunch by Hibs boss Alan Stubbs. His feet have hardly touched the ground since. Now he is back in America, reaching for the stars all over again. "Everything happens for a reason in football. You just have to back yourself to give yourself the best chance to do well. And more often than not good things will happen."
