Host nation Germany looking to dominate spirited Scotland
Euro 2024 will get underway when Germany takes on Scotland Friday at Allianz Arena in Munich. The Germans will have strong home support for this game, and they are the heavy favorites to secure victory.
However, Scotland produced a series of strong performances during the qualifying campaign, including a 2-0 win against Spain last year. That result indicates that the Scots have a chance to hold their own against the world’s best teams, and it may help inspire them in Munich. For more info, check out our guide for betting on the Euros.
Germany might have to break stubborn resistance to win
Germany may need to be patient to break down a well-drilled Scottish defense in the opening game of the Euros. The Scots had just 25% of the possession when they beat Spain last year, but they managed to soak up pressure, and they were incisive on the counterattack. They followed a similar gameplan against England at the last European Championship, and they earned a 0-0 draw with the Three Lions in that game.
The Germans are likely to dominate possession on Friday, and they will need to keep probing for weaknesses in the Scotland backline. Two players have the potential to unlock the Scottish defense: Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. If they have enough space to weave their magic, they could lead Germany to victory.
Scotland’s path to victory likely includes Scott McTominay
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay scored seven times during Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Only four players found the back of the net more times: Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane. That is elite company for McTominay to be keeping.
He is primarily known as a box-to-box midfielder at United, but he played as a striker during his youth career. McTominay has an uncanny knack for arriving in the box at precisely the right moment, and he is composed in front of goal. He could be the man to inspire Scotland to a famous upset if Steve Clarke’s team is efficient on the counterattack.
Germany vs. Scotland odds & lines
Germany vs. Scotland player props
Germany expected starting 11
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann may stick with the same starting XI who featured in a 2-1 win against Greece in a friendly on June 7. Manuel Neuer recently returned from injury, and he has resumed his status as first-choice goalkeeper, leaving Marc-Andre ter Stegen on the bench. Joshua Kimmich can play at right-back, with Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah in the middle, and Maximilian Mittelstädt on the left.
Robert Andrich provides steel and energy alongside the veteran Toni Kroos in midfield. Captain Ilkay Gündogan will start in the No. 10 role, with playmakers Musiala and Wirtz on either side of Kai Havertz in attack. Havertz is not a traditional center-forward, and he tends to drop deep, so the German attack is likely to be fluid.
Scotland expected starting 11
Scotland’s manager favors a 3-4-3 formation. Norwich’s Angus Gunn is the first-choice goalkeeper. Jack Hendry, Grant Hanley, and Kieran Tierney are likely to form a back three. Captain Andy Robertson will be deployed as a left wing-back, with Celtic’s Anthony Ralston deputizing for the injured Aaron Hickey on the other flank.
We could see either Callum McGregor or Billy Gilmour start alongside McTominay in midfield. Ryan Christie and John McGinn are likely to start as attacking midfielders, with Lawrence Shankland up front. Alternatively, Christie may start on the bench, allowing McTominay to play in a more advanced role, with McGregor and Gilmour in midfield. Che Adams and James Forrest provide additional attacking options.
