Gareth Southgate says Scotland are a different animal under Steve Clarke with our stars plying their trade at the UK’s biggest clubs.
The England boss is gearing up for a Tartan Army invasion at Wembley for June’s Euro 2020 showdown.
He was delighted to see Clarke’s team qualify against Serbia on Thursday and praised the Scotland gaffer’s impact.
Southgate insists we are a stronger side than the one he faced at Hampden three years ago in a 2-2 draw.
And he believes that as well as Clarke’s managerial skills, it’s down to a batch of our players now performing with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Aston Villa and the Old Firm.
The England manager said: “I’m a big fan of Steve, he’s a super guy and an excellent coach.
“Whenever I’ve seen his teams play, going back to when he was at Reading, they’ve been outstanding.
“He’s done a tremendous job with Scotland. And he’s come in at a time when there are players emerging who are making Scotland stronger.
“John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson are all playing in big matches in the Premier League.
“And of course, the boys at Rangers and Celtic who are having big experiences in Europe at their clubs.
“They are all playing at big clubs under pressure. So the team has obviously improved an enormous amount and Steve deserves credit for that.”
Southgate has been involved in Auld Enemy clashes as a player and as a coach and added: “It’s a tremendous occasion to be part of – but only if you win!”
