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Gordon Strachan sends stark warning to Scotland stars ahead of England clash
GORDON STRACHAN last night told his Scotland stars that Saturday’s clash with England is a ‘must not lose’ battle.
Gordon Strachan insists Scotland cannot afford to lose to England
Scotland boss Strachan will gather his players at their pre-Hampden HQ tonight and stress the importance of nicking at least a point against Gareth Southgate’s Group F leaders.
Strachan labelled the March clash against Slovenia as a must-win encounter and was rewarded with his all-or-nothing approach with a late winner from Chris Martin.
Now he needs at least a draw to keep the momentum going into the Autumn finale to the World Cup qualifiers when wins against Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania and Malta would guarantee a play-off spot.
Strachan said: “As we sit here just now I’m thinking about victory, but mustn’t get beaten keeps us in it.
England beat Scotland 3-0 in November
As we sit here just now I’m thinking about victory
“Of course, you never know, to be fair, with the rest of the scores and how they go, but that’s my thinking.”
Apart from Kieran Tierney – recovering from a facial injury suffered in last weekend’s Scottish Cup Final – there are no fresh injury concerns for Strachan ahead of the Auld Enemy clash.
Strachan is a huge fan of Tierney, who is hoped will get the all-clear to play with the aid of a gum shield.
The Scotland boss said: “We need bravery in the team to win individual battles and not be scared of the occasion or who you’re playing against.
“That’s why Kieran’s very important because he’s not scared of anybody, but he’s not arrogant.
“He has an assessment at 8:30 on Monday morning with our doctor and the Celtic doctor and anything they say we will do.”