Scots need miracle if they're to spoil party

UPON landing in Germany on Sunday, Scotland's first port of call was a welcome party from the mayor of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, an Alpine ski town and their base for the tournament.

- Dom Smith

Aston Villa's John McGinn was soon dusting off his Bavarian dance moves.

There has been an air of calm about the Scots' first week in Germany as they gear up to face the hosts in tonight's opening game, but, in truth, their preparations have been far from plain sailing.

Brentford's Aaron Hickey, Everton's Nathan Patterson and Bologna's Lewis Ferguson were already ruled out of the tournament when, on its eve, Liverpool's Ben Doak and QPR striker Lyndon Dykes suffered further injuries.

Dykes's absence deprives manager Steve Clarke of his favoured No9 and leaves Southampton's Che Adams as the only striker.

The goalscoring onus now falls to players in other positions, such as McGinn and Scott McTominay.

The Manchester United midfielder is, at least, somewhat braced for that role, having been their leading marksman in qualifying with seven goals and with 10 goals for United last season.