Scott McTominay could have represented England but chose to play for Scotland

With a name like Scott McTominay, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Manchester United man plays international football for Scotland.

However, he was born in Lancaster, England and plays for the Tartan Army due to a family connection.

And because of his decision to play for Scotland, he’s set to have a key role at Euro 2024 for Steve Clarke‘s men.

Why does Scott McTominay play for Scotland?

McTominay‘s dad is from Scotland, so he qualifies to play for the Tartan Army through him.

Of course, there are many players across the Premier League who are in a similar position and it’s up to them what nation they represent.

Now, given McTominay has played all of his football in England, he might have decided to represent the Three Lions.

However, he’s always wanted to play for Scotland.

Speaking in 2018 when he was first called up to the national team, he said: “I wanted to play for Scotland — and I always have done, since I was a young boy, so it was an incredibly proud moment when he [Scotland manager Alex McLeish] did call me up.”

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Sir Alex Ferguson also wanted the midfielder to represent Scotland.

McTominay’s grandad spoke about that at the same time as his grandson’s call-up and said: “Sir Alex Ferguson was keen for Scott to play for Scotland as well.

“He was up front about it. I know that for a fact. I can say that without fear of getting contradicted. That has been kept under wraps. He and Jose Mourinho were both quite keen on it over the last month or two.”

Further to this, Alex McLeish made a real effort to go and see McTominay to convince him that Scotland was where he should be playing international football.

Since his debut, the midfielder has made 49 appearances for the Tartan Army, scoring eight goals.

He probably would have liked to score more, given he’s known for his late runs into the box at Old Trafford.

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However, six of those goals came in Euros qualifying to help Scotland reach Euro 2024.

He scored two doubles in back-to-back games against Cyprus and Spain as Scotland won their first five qualifying games.

With the way Scotland play, McTominay is the main goal threat, so he will need to be at his best in Germany for Clarke’s men.