Scott McTominay #4

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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.

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