The Premier League season may be coming to a sudden, albeit exciting, end for Aston Villa here shortly. For the players, it will simply mark the transition from club to international play.
Once again, this will be the case for AVFC skipper John McGinn. Currently at 75 caps for Scotland, the skipper will look to add a couple more in his home country's upcoming friendlies and has been named to the squad for the upcoming matches. The Scots will host Iceland on June 6th. In their following exhibition, they will face Liechtenstein as the away side on June 9th.
For McGinn, it will be another chance to renew the chemistry for those on this current squad as all of Europe prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers this summer.
This is a Scottish team that is in UEFA's Group C. Their group includes Denmark, Greece, and Belarus. There is a chance to finish atop the standings between these teams and automatically qualify for the 2026 WC. Coming in second is also doable, which would then result in a playoff potential to reach the North American tournament.
Villa fans will know better than anyone what McGinn can offer a team. Through his experience and work rate, the midfielder always finds himself heavily involved and in the thick of the action. Between making extra effort plays and helping to set off his teammates, particularly after winning the ball back for his side, he's the exact type of player that all managers want to have on their team.
Busy summer for McGinn following end of Aston Villa season
McGinn always gives it his all for Villa. Once the EPL season concludes, the midfielder will be able to shift gears and focus, and give that same dedication toward helping to see his country's participation in the upcoming World Cup.
It would be one of the more incredible feats of his career, but it is certainly possible with him and the likes of him and Kieran Tierney on the squad.
It all starts in early June, as they will look to be at their peak for the critical qualifiers.