LEE McCULLOCH is predicting an amazing result for Scotland in their Euro 2024 opener.
Steve Clarke’s men face host nation Germany on June 14 in Munich.
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It’s a daunting task against the three-times tournament winners, but for ex-Rangers and Scotland star McCulloch it’s not mission impossible.
Jig, 45, now part of Brighton’s recruitment set-up, reckons even victory isn’t beyond them.
McCulloch — promoting Rangers’ summer friendly against Manchester United at Murrayfield — said: “I am really looking forward to the Euros — especially the first game!
“I don’t know if it’s just because I am a super positive guy, but we’ll get something out of it.
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“To play Germany, the hosts, to open the tournament — what an experience that is for our players, the management, and of course, the fans.
“I would not rule us out. The players have shed that ‘glorious failure’ label now. They have got over the hurdle of getting through to a finals.
“The manager deserves so much credit. Not just for the team he has built but also for the culture he has developed. Let’s hope we become the first side in Scotland’s history to get through the groups.
“Playing Germany, it is probably the biggest game of the tournament really because it is the opening match of the finals.
“The whole world will be watching, so if we get a result it will put Scotland on the footballing map.”
McCulloch takes great confidence from Scott McTominay and John McGinn being at the heart of Scotland’s midfield.
He added: “McTominay was the best player throughout the campaign.
“You look at the goals he scores, he has made a big contribution to Scotland’s qualification.
“It helps if you have goal-scoring midfielders in your team and especially in Scotland’s case.
“When you go with the formation the manager favours, you really need to have your midfielders chipping in with goals.
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“With McTominay and McGinn in the side, that is exactly what you get.”
However Germany sent Scotland – and the rest of Europe – a stark warning by dismantling pre-tournament favourites France.
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Florian Wirtz scored after just SEVEN SECONDS then Kai Havertz added another early after the break in an impressive performance at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon.
- Rangers will play Manchester United at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, on Saturday, July 20. Tickets are now on public sale. Prices start at £37 (adults) and £19 (Under-16s). Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster and Ticketek.
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