Scott McTominay goal threat vital as Scotland seek Euros history in Hungary showdown | OneFootball

Manchester United midfielder needs to step up to the plate again in Stuttgart to send Scotland through to the knockout stages for the first time

The stakes could not be higher for Scotland and Steve Clarke at Euro 2024.

His side have given themselves a fighting chance of making the knockout stages of a major tournament for the very first time.

Clarke’s side had, in the minds of many, already checked in for an early flight home after their 5-1 opening-night demolition by hosts Germany.

But they passed the test of mental resolve on Wednesday, securing a fully merited 1-1 draw with Switzerland where, in the closing stages, only the Scots looked like nicking it.

It was Scott McTominay who stepped up when it mattered most with the goal against the Swiss, and the Manchester United man has become a reliable source of goals for his country.

Only Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane scored more during Euro 2024 qualifying.

Back in 2018, Sir Alex Ferguson was instrumental in the Lancastrian midfielder turning out for Scotland rather than England. Gareth Southgate was days away from setting up a meeting with McTominay, but Scotland have reaped the rewards of his decision.

Goal threat: Scott McTominay was on target again for Scotland against Switzerland in vital Euro 2024 draw

Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

McTominay was a striker during his academy days, and his goal threat will be vital in Sunday’s crunch clash.

So, too, will be his dogged work-rate. Countless times against Switzerland he pinched the ball and relieved pressure on his side by slaloming his way out of trouble.

Billy Gilmour was brought into the team alongside McTominay, and the two were integral to Scotland sustaining passing sequences.

After barely seeing the ball against Germany, Scotland finally had purpose. Gilmour must stay in the team. McTominay doubtless will.

Anthony Ralston recovered well after his error allowed Xherdan Shaqiri to score a spectacular equaliser, and goalkeeper Angus Gunn denied the Swiss with some fine stops.

“That was more like us, much more like us,” captain Andy Robertson said afterwards.

It all bodes well for Sunday, against a Hungary side who have played twice and lost twice, shipping five goals in the process.

It has been a surprisingly toothless start to the tournament by Hungary, tipped by many to be the dark horses in Germany but now all but out of the tournament unless they beat Scotland and finish as one of the four best third-place teams.

Gareth Southgate was days away from setting up a meeting with McTominay, but Scotland have reaped the rewards of his decision

He has been at the helm since 2018, during which time the Hungarians have beaten Croatia, Germany, and, on two occasions, England — including that chastening 4-0 rout of Gareth Southgate’s side in June 2022 at Molineux.

The greatest threat to Scotland, and Hungary’s greatest hope of spoiling the party, will be through Dominik Szoboszlai.

The 23-year-old midfielder played an integral role for Liverpool last season in his first campaign on Merseyside.

A natural playmaker with 18 goal contributions from 44 caps, Szoboszlai adopts a more advanced role for his country.

Goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and centre-back Willi Orban are both fine players for RB Leipzig, while left wing-back Milos Kerkez enjoyed an exceptional first season at Bournemouth and is now reportedly of interest to Manchester United.

Kerkez, 20, has an unstinting work rate and has been one of Hungary’s better players at these Euros.

The fact Rossi and Clarke both favour a 3-4-2-1 formation could make Sunday’s encounter a tense, taut affair. But it is Scotland who head there with momentum behind them.