Aston Villa star John McGinn ‘led by example’ as Scotland secured historic win vs Denmark, ‘Inspiration’
Aston Villa skipper John McGinn played a key role as Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a 4-2 win over Denmark on Tuesday.
McGinn is a true Premier League star with Villa as he continues to go from strength to strength throughout his Villa Park tenure.
The midfielder looked set to be rewarded for his efforts on the international stage as Jeff Stelling hoped to see McGinn at the World Cup next summer.
The presenter has gotten his wish, as Scotland and McGinn secured an all-important win to book their trip to America, Mexico and Canada for next summer’s tournament.
McGinn, fresh from signing a new Aston Villa contract, was one of the star performers against Denmark as he caught the eye massively at Hampden Park.
John McGinn was immense for Scotland vs Denmark
McGinn has had many top moments for Villa, but it is fair to say that qualifying for a World Cup with his country will be one of his biggest achievements.
The Tartan Army haven’t been seen at the biggest show on earth since 1998, but are now finally set to make their presence felt on the world stage.
The Villa skipper will play a key role across games in North America, just as he did to secure qualification against the Danes.
McGinn started and completed 90 minutes at Hampden, making his presence felt throughout after taking 37 touches in the middle of the park.
With those, the midfielder was able to complete eight passes and two dribbles as he looked to drive the ball forward in trademark fashion.
The 31-year-old put in a typical performance, taking two shots while also contributing three defensive actions, seven recoveries, and eight ground duel wins.
To add to all of this, McGinn managed to win the most fouls on the pitch with four, as one of those saw Rasmus Kristensen sent off for a second yellow card.
Aston Villa star McGinn raved about by Scottish media
It will be challenging to find a member of the Tartan Army who didn’t love everything they saw from the Villa captain in the Denmark victory.
The actions of the midfielder weren’t lost on the national media, who were there to pile additional praise on the industrious Scot.
The Daily Mail were blown away by his showing, suggesting that he “Led by example right from the off” before securing victory at Hampden.
They added: “His aggression and desire to get Scotland going was an inspiration to his team-mates. Cut off the passing lanes and always tried to drive forward.“
Online outlet The Scotsman was equally as impressed by the midfielder, as they afforded him a nine out of 10 rating and a glowing review.
It reads: “Super John McGinn. Does this man ever run out of batteries? He kept going until the very end. It was his running that forced Rasmus Kristensen to foul him not once but twice to get the red card that tipped the scales in Scotland’s favour.
“Curled a cracking effort just – and I mean just – over the bar at 2-2. Did it matter? Not at all.“
It is clear how excellent McGinn was on such a historic night for Scotland, something that will be music to fans’ ears at Villa Park.
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