John McGinn ‘could have done better’ as 110% verdict shared on Aston Villa star after Scotland defeat
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
John McGinn will have learned the different levels of quality in international football after the Aston Villa starred in Scotland’s 3-1 defeat to England on Tuesday, according to Alan Hutton.
Gareth Southgate’s men won the derby-day bragging rights at Hampden Park on 12 September with goals by Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane dampening what could have been a historic night for the Scots, who were hoping that Norway and Georgia would play out a draw.
If that happened, Scotland would have become the first team to qualify for the 2024 European Championships away from hosts Germany.
However, it wasn’t to be for the Tartan Army, who were brought back down to earth as they lost against the Auld Enemy and also saw Erling Haaland’s Norway reign supreme over Georgia.
Hutton isn’t too downbeat about the defeat, however.
While the former Aston Villa right-back admits the Scottish performance had it’s flaws – including that of McGinn – it will have been a good dose of experience for Steve Clarke’s in-form side.
“He was decent enough,” Hutton told Villa News when speaking specifically about McGinn’s display at Hampden.
“There were certain situations where he could have done better – he’d have known that himself. But I think he’s been outstanding for Scotland – there’s no getting away from that.
“I think you need to remember how well Scotland have done, winning the first five games of Euro qualifying, it made a lot of hype around this game.
“People were thinking we could beat England and I understand it. That’s what fans are there for, to get excited and get behind the team.
“But it gives you an inside look at the different levels you come up against in international football.
“It’s not just for John, it’s for every player. This is a team that’s ranked in the top five so it’s going to be difficult and Scotland showed their class.
“One thing John will give you is 110 per cent no matter what and that’s exactly what he did.
“They can be proud. There were a few mistakes in there that they’ll want to iron out but it was against a better team.”
In other Aston Villa news, a new signing has already held crunch talks with Emery and a BBC Sport pundit has reacted.