Gordon Strachan to Remains as Scotland Boss against England in November

Gordon Strachan will continue as Scotland manager for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against England next month at Wembley. Strachan’s future at the national team had been in question following a 1-1 draw against Lithuania on the 8th October 2016, followed by a 3-0 defeat in Slovakia on Tuesday, 11th October 2016. However, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) said that there was no need on either side to end his contract at this stage.

Image of Gordon Strachan

If Scotland loses against England on the 11th November 2016, it is likely that the 59-year-old will leave his post, possibly by mutual agreement. In that case, the team will be six points behind the group leaders with only one win against Malta.

Strachan, who was due to hold talks with the SFA on Thursday, 13th October 2016, for a post-game debrief, scheduled a board meeting where his role was discussed. The former Middlesbrough and Celtic boss replaced Craig Levein in January 2013 and had been in for 32 matches, with a 47% victory record.

Scotland Assistant Coach Mark McGhee backs Gordon Strachan

On Thursday morning, 13th October, Assistant coach Mark McGhee told BBC that he had not spoken to Strachan since coming from Slovakia but remains positive about reaching a first major tournament since 1998. He added that he still thinks that they have a great chance of qualifying, but obviously, the results have to improve and there’s potential for that.

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Nigel Frith

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