Scotland

Graeme Souness: 'Scotland should keep faith with Gordon Strachan'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 13 November 2016

Former Scotland midfielder Graeme Souness believes that manager Gordon Strachan is still the best man for the job despite his side's 3-0 defeat to England.

Former Scotland midfielder Graeme Souness has urged the SFA not to sack Gordon Strachan.

Scotland's hopes of reaching their first major tournament since 1998 suffered another setback on Friday as they lost 3-0 to England at Wembley.

The result leaves them six points adrift of the only automatic qualifying spot for the 2018 World Cup - in addition to increasing the pressure on Strachan - but Souness does not believe that there is anyone available who could do a better job.

"So far this year the results have not been great, but you've got to believe that results will get better. Will they qualify out of this group? No they won't, but right now Scotland are in a cycle where they don't have a great deal to pick from," he told BBC Radio 5 live.

"The question of whether [Strachan] should stay or go is not important. Is there someone out there who could make us better? I don't believe there is. I think he is getting the most from a very modest group.

"They were not humiliated, they were beaten by a better team with better players than them, and that's generally what happens. Making mistakes and not being able to score goals at the other end is a dangerous combination, but right now that is what Scotland have, and what Gordon has to work with."

Scotland have won just one of their last six games in all competitions.