Steve Clarke strongly rejects Scotland claim over England defeat as he tips his stars to roar back

Scotland boss Steve Clarke moved quickly to shut any notion his side were overawed by England as he pointed to the world class talent who orchestrated his side's downfall.

The Scotland boss admitted things didn't go to plan but believes there is more to come from a side who stand on the cusp of reaching Euro 2024. Goals from Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, via an Andy Robertson gaffe, had the visitors cruising at the break. Harry Maguire helped Scotland with an own goal before Harry Kane struck in the final exchanges.

Clarke reckons some observers, perhaps, have gone overboard about the current side's recent run but he was keen to stress the defeat to England will be used for inspiration for the national team to go again ahead of their almost certain trip to Germany next summer. Speaking to Channel 4, the Scotland boss was asked what when wrong and he said: "Quite a lot, to be honest. We didn't get started, England started great, dominated the first half, dominated the ball. We couldn't get a hold of the ball. I thought in the second half we did a bit better. We showed a better intensity in our game, kept the ball better. When it goes 2-1 we had a chance to be in the game and I was making more positive changes to make it 2-2 but England scored another one."

And Clarke insists he is keenly aware Scotland have ways to go but doesn't believe the pomp and ceremony of the 150th anniversary clash played its part. When asked if the occasion was too much, he emphatically responded: Clarke added: "Nope, absolutely not. I thought England started the game really well, like the top side they are. And we are looking to get to that level. We know we are not there, some people have been maybe carried away a little bit, but you have