Ilkay Gundogan names 3 Scotland stars that make Euro 2024 opener 'tricky' for Germany in teammate warning

The names roll off the tongue of Ilkay Gündogan.

Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn. The Scottish ‘axis’, as he likes to call it. And let’s face it. The fact that a Champions League winner and multiple plunderer of Premier League titles at Manchester City is waxing lyrical about a trio of our own stars MUST give Steve Clarke some Euro 2024 hope. Shouldn’t it?

Even though he’s now at Barcelona, Gundogan hasn’t forgotten how difficult all three were to play against during his time in England. And that’s why the 33-year-old Germany skipper won’t take the Scots lightly here in Munich tonight. Gundogan didn’t achieve what he has in his career by taking anything for granted. And ahead of the mouth-watering Euro 2024 opener, he warned his German team-mates about the Scottish spine he came up against so often during seven trophy-laden years at the Etihad. He said: “I’m expecting a difficult game against Scotland, I know a lot of their players from the Premier League.

“They have a very good axis to the team, with Robertson, McTominay, McGinn. That’s a very experienced axis who plays at the highest level in the Premier League for very good teams.

“They can be a tricky team to play against but I also think they’re a good side themselves. We shouldn’t underestimate them on Friday night. I have lots of respect for them.

“But we also know what we can do and we have a lot of quality on our side. If we can reach our potential, I’m confident that we can win tomorrow.

“I would love to score the opening goal on Friday night but I’d be just as happy if it’s one of my team-mates. As long as we score at least one and have a chance to win the game - that’s the big objective. We’re really excited about that challenge and we’re confident of getting the three points.”

In the build up to this game, Gundogan has been praised by his ex-City boss Pep Guardiola, who rates the midfielder as one of the best players he’s ever worked with. For a guy who started as a youngster at Bochum, he’s come a long way - winning 14 major titles between the Bundesliga and Premier League.

That’s why he considers it a privilege to be leading his country out against Scotland at the opening game of a European Championships in Germany. Gundogan said: “I played under Pep for seven years and it was an honour.

“Hardly anyone knows me as well as he does so I’m very happy to hear his kind words. I’m grateful because I learned a lot from Pep.

“With the way I am on and off the pitch, hopefully I make my teammates better and help us win the game tomorrow.

“It means a lot to me to captain my country at a European Championships in our own country. It’s an opportunity you don’t get often in your career and just to be part of this team is special.

“In 2006, I was watching the games as a teenager. Now, I’m part of this in my own country. I’m representing the German people with pride and that’s such an honour for me.

“I want to show that on the pitch on Friday night. I want the people to feel it. Of course there is pressure on us but if we can manage that we can be very successful.”

The Germans will be one of the favourites for this Euros as it’s on home soil but Gundogan knows the pitfalls of that. The fact is, they’ve flopped in the last three major finals they’ve been part of, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where they failed to get past the group stage.

Even in the build up to this, supporters and media aren’t convinced they can go all the way - especially after a ropy friendly win over Greece last time out. The captain understands there’s a bit of pessimism but he’s convinced that - in front of their own fans - they’ll come good when it matters.

The Barcelona man said: “Our last game against Greece was a warning to us, it rang a few alarm bells. We didn’t play well enough and these days, all teams have quality.

“That showed us what we have to improve on against Scotland. We managed to turn it around against Greece in the second half and we have to continue that on Friday night.

“The way we responded gave everyone a lift, the team and the fans. We have to build on that now.

“After the negativity of our experience at the last tournament, everyone is trying to reach our maximum for this one. We’re relaxed about it and that’s down to the coach. He gives us confidence and security going out on the pitch.

“We’ll make mistakes but we can’t lose our theme. In our last few games, we’ve scored late goals - that shows the spirit we have in this team.

“There is a great atmosphere in our squad and morale is high. And that’s very important going into a tournament.”