McGinn in the form of his life and now dancing to Scotland's tune
If Scotland hit the mark in their upcoming matches the way John McGinn does in front of the media then this could be a special World Cup for Steve Clarke's side, writes Tom English.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Our job is to look after Scotland. Norway's job is to look after Norway."
— John McGinn , Athlete
""Unprofessional," trumpeted Solbakken of his Scottish counterpart."
— Stale Solbakken , Athlete
""Embarrassing" and "weak" whinged Hangeland."
— Brede Hangeland , Athlete
"I'd happily lose friendlies for the next 10 years to make each major tournament, that's just the reality of it."
— John McGinn , Athlete
"It's a completely different challenge for us again."
— John McGinn , Athlete
"Our job's to look after Scotland, Norway's job is to look after Norway."
— John McGinn , Athlete
"I think it feels different to last week because you're starting to get used to it."
— John McGinn , Athlete
"But when the real stuff starts on Saturday it doesn't matter what temperature it is, Scotland at a World Cup can turn it up even more."
— John McGinn , Athlete
"We're just absolutely delighted to be a part of it after so long and if we can just keep raising those standards every day, we'll give ourselves the best possible chance of doing something we haven't done before."
— John McGinn , Athlete
Key People
Billy Gilmour is a midfielder who plays for Napoli and the Scotland national team.
Brede Hangeland is a former professional footballer and the team manager of the Norway national football team.
John McGinn is a Scottish footballer playing as a midfielder for the national team.
Stale Solbakken is the head coach of the Norway national football team.
Steve Clarke is the head coach of the Scotland national football team.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
If Scotland hit the mark in their upcoming matches the way John McGinn does in front of the media then this could be a special World Cup for Steve Clarke's side, writes Tom English.
An overview of Scotland's World Cup 2026 group, including fixtures, schedule, standings, and odds for Group C teams: Scotland, Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti.
Scotland midfielder John McGinn defends manager Steve Clarke after Norway boss Stale Solbakken criticizes Clarke's decision to cancel a friendly match.
Scotland vice-captain John McGinn expresses confidence in Scotland's World Cup prospects, emphasizing the team's readiness to perform under pressure.
Scotland midfielder John McGinn expresses his willingness to sacrifice friendly matches over the next decade if it ensures Scotland's qualification for major tournaments.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Youthful Pocognoli the brave choice for Scotland job
The Scottish FA are all-in on Sebastien Pocognoli, 39, showing bravery and ambition - what everybody wanted, writes Tom English.
August 17, 2026 at 04:01 PMPocognoli 'feels connection' with 'passionate' Scotland
New Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli says the passionate nature of Scottish football was a key factor in his taking the job.
August 17, 2026 at 12:53 PMIreland's World Cup hopes alive after win over NZ
Ireland's women looked no further than the success of the country’s athletes and swimmers over the past 10 days to inspire them to a first Hockey World Cup pool win in eight years.
August 18, 2026 at 12:31 PMMcClenaghan hopes to bounce back with more Euro gold
Olympic champion Rhys McClenaghan says he expects to be more "measured and relaxed" as he chases a fourth European title after a disappointing Commonwealth Games.
August 18, 2026 at 07:10 AMCeltic find value in 'special' Duran - but does ambition reach further still?
Now that the Champions League money may be nigh, we will get to see the scale of Celtic's ambition, asks Tom English?
August 19, 2026 at 11:34 PMNI keeper Burns on plans for life after football
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Jackie Burns is the number one for her country and has just signed for Burnley - but she is already thinking about her next steps.
August 19, 2026 at 07:10 AM