James McFadden backs Scotland if ‘absolutely magnificent’ England clash happens

Former Scotland international James McFadden believes Steve Clarke’s side will be in a stronger position for a repeat major tournament encounter against England – if they can get through the World Cup play-offs.

The draw for this year’s finals in Qatar delivered the prospect of an Auld Enemy encounter on November 29 – a day before the 150th anniversary of the first meeting of the teams in football’s first international.

Scotland have a major task in getting to the Middle East with a delayed play-off semi-final against Ukraine pencilled in for June and a potential final against Wales in Cardiff to follow.

But confidence is high following an unbeaten eight-match run, which included six consecutive qualifying wins.

Scotland impressed in a 0-0 draw at Wembley in the European Championship finals last June but lacked a cutting edge.

Lyndon Dykes has since scored in four consecutive appearances and Che Adams has grown in stature in the international arena.

And McFadden is filled with optimism ahead of Scotland’s final qualification push.

“Scotland are in a really good place at the minute,” the former Motherwell and Everton forward told BBC Sport.

“We spoke about the Euros and the performance at Wembley was really good. We got slaughtered for celebrating a 0-0 draw but it was a great performance and I think it showed the potential of the young team.

We go into these games in June with great confidence and optimism that we can get the job done- James McFadden

“Over the course of the qualifying campaign, a really good performance and result against Denmark has shown that this team has really grown, and they have responded to the disappointment of not being able to get out of the group stages of the Euros.

“It was always a worry,