Steve Clarke not fooled by Spain as Scotland boss admits Hampden humbling came at the right time

Steve Clarke wasn’t fooled. So neither should the Tartan Army ahead of Scotland’s trip to Seville this week.

Our memorable victory over Spain at Hampden in March – and the fact we top our Euro 2024 qualification group – has got everyone a little giddy ahead of Germany next summer. Some punters might believe that picking up a point against the Spaniards on Thursday night is a mere formality.

And listen, given what this group of players have achieved so far you wouldn’t put it past them. Clarke believes in them and doesn’t want to dampen any supporter’s enthusiasm. But he’s also realistic. The manager admits Scotland got Spain at a good time seven months ago. And he expects Luis de la Fuente’s side to be a different animal this time round. Clarke has confidence in his players, who could seal qualification for Euro 2024 by avoiding defeat in Seville.

But there will be no complacency against the current Nations League winners. The Scotland boss said: “You have to play under pressure against these top teams because they press so well. They’re athletic, quick and the speed of their game is so good.

“You have to do everything right. When we played Spain in March, we pretty much did everything right. We followed the tactics we had on the night and they worked well for us.

“Spain have come alive in this group in the last two games – 13 goals scored and six points. They will want to finish top of the group and probably want to get a little back on us for that result at Hampden.

“We have to be ready for that. And we have to be ready to play at 100 per cent, as well as we can play.

“If we do that we can get something from the game. But looking back on the March game now? Although you don’t think it at the time Spain were obviously