The non-football fan's guide to Scotland at the Euros

Don’t have a clue who Scott McTominay is?

Furious that Coronation Street is not on when it should be?

And why do people keep talking about the backside of this McGinn fella?

Scotland reaching Euro 2024 is a momentous occasion for every football fan in the country, but what about those of you who are not followers of the game?

Fear not, BBC Scotland is here to get you prepared so you can cower behind the sofa like the best of them when kick off comes in Munich on Friday.

Step we gaily…

First of all - what’s going on?

The Scotland men’s national team are in a bit of a purple patch right now.

This is the second European Championships in a row for which they have qualified - quite an achievement considering some of the squad weren’t even born at Scotland's previous appearance in 1996.

What makes this one a bit more special is the lack of Covid-19 restrictions, coupled with the fact punters actually need to get on a plane to go to this one.

At the last Euros, the Tartan Army had two games at Hampden and one at Wembley, both with huge restrictions on attendances. Not this time, though.

Taylor Swift managed to draw 200,000 people to Murrayfield for her Eras Tour over three nights this month.

Think that’s impressive? Steve Clarke’s Scotland Tour looks set to take a similar amount to Germany.

So are we going to win it?

Ah. About that…

Scotland have a bit of a task on their hands.

Their first game is the opening one of the tournament in Munich on Friday against hosts Germany.

Typically, Scotland have struggled for wins since qualifying, while the previously stuttering Germans are now motoring. It’s always the way, eh?

Next up is Switzerland in Cologne on Wednesday, followed by Hungary in Stuttgart on 23 June.

Both those nations are ranked higher than Schottland, who have a few important players missing going into this tournament.

Out of that group of four, the top two teams will go through to the knockout round.

But, and it’s a big one, if Scotland finish third, there’s still a chance they could progress.

That means lose their first two games and it’s still possible your loved ones aren’t coming home too soon.

Make sense? No? Good.

What should I be shouting at the telly?

Hopefully these will be words of encouragement rather than explosions interspersed with expletives.

Captain Andy Robertson will be the leader in defence for the Scots.

In midfield, the aforementioned John McGinn will be putting himself about, using his frame wisely to get Scotland some key free-kicks.

He’s also a safe bet to get the odd goal.

Speaking of which, Manchester United’s McTominay is one to watch.

The 27-year-old has eight goals for his country, including a double against Spain that helped his country get to the Euros in the first place.

Worried you’ll be found out down the pub? Concerned your neighbour - who for some reason has Freed From Desire on repeat - will think you’re clueless?

Don’t fret. Here’s a few key phrases to help you blend in with the Tartan Army...

• “Right back still feels like an issue” – Scotland have lost Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson to injury in the build up to this one. The debate over who will start at the right side of defence will no doubt be a talking point.

• “I’m not sure about Adams or Shankland up top” – Scotland are struggling for strikers. Sparking a debate over Che Adams or Lawrence Shankland to start against Germany will have you well placed among your football friends.

• “I love Runrig” – enough said.

How to follow Scotland on the BBC

BBC Scotland Sport will have coverage of Scotland's Euro 2024 campaign from start to finish across TV, radio, online and social media.

Friday's game against Germany will be on ITV, but you can follow every moment of the game with our live page on the BBC Sport website and app, which will run all day and include the best action and reaction as well as live commentary on Sportsound.

Scotland v Switzerland on 19 June and Scotland v Hungary on 23 June will be shown live on BBC One Scotland.

And, again, those will have accompanying live pages and radio coverage, with Gaelic commentary on BBC Radio Nan Gaidheal.

Besides that, there will also be daily live coverage of Scotland's media conferences and all the news from the team camp near Munich.

Also available will be a daily Euros podcast from BBC Scotland Sport as well as specially-commissioned programmes to warm up audiences for the main event, as well as editions of Off the Ball on BBC Radio Scotland.