World Cup 2026: Scotland boss Steve Clarke faces midfield conundrum

Going back to that game in New Jersey last week, Aston Villa captain and Tartan Army sweetheart John McGinn was the one to start on the bench.

He was also left out completely for the win against Curacao at Hampden.

McGinn not playing would seem incredible given his contribution in a Scotland jersey.

Across his 86 caps he’s got 20 goals – fifth on the all-time list – and 10 assists. Just as crucially, he is in the form of his life having just led Villa to the Europa League trophy.

But there may be a reluctance to tinker too much with a midfield of McTominay, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon-Doak and Ryan Christie which purred so perfectly, particularly in the first half.

“It’s amazing to think there could be a Scotland team without John McGinn in it,” said former forward James McFadden.

“I would expect him to come in. I just hope it is unfortunately one of the midfielders that miss out and not one of the strikers.

“I’d really like to see the two strikers because I think they offer so much. Could we see a starting team in the first game without John McGinn?

“I wouldn’t put it past Steve Clarke, to be honest, but because he doesn’t start the first game doesn’t mean he’s not going to be a massive player in the games after that.”

There is a valid point that McGinn perhaps has been rested given his 53-game season.

“I don’t think we need to start John in the first game if I’m being honest,” said former Scotland midfielder Leanne Crichton.

“I’m trying to think back to the Euros in terms of John and his output. I felt he was tired at that tournament.

“I felt it was a long season. I’m looking at the output over the last number of months in terms of the European campaign at Villa, the travel associated with that and the injury that he had at the point in the season.

“Do we really need to use him for the start?”