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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterAs a player, Strachan appeared at the 1982 and 1986 editions of the competition and led the national team as manager between 2013 and 2017.Whilst he didn't manage to lead Scotland to a major tournament as a coach, Strachan carries the perspective of a veteran who has walked the walk.The mere presence of Scotland on the global stage, he believes, is a victory in itself. You may like Scotland World Cup 2026 squad: Steve Clarke's latest selection ahead of March internationals Lawrence Shanklands position is probably most up for grabs Scotland legend Kenny Miller on the youngsters vying for a place in Steve Clarkes World Cup squad Im 68, I should grow up, but Hearts being top of the league is killing me as a childhood Hibernian supporter, I think Oh no, not them! But I think they're the favourites, they're adrenaline junkies Former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan talks to FFT Gordon Strachan: 'Id love to be working with Scott McTominay'"It's a great achievement, because we can all go and enjoy ourselves," he said. "When theres a World Cup, if Scotland supporters are there, then its a better World Cup. We're not expecting anything great. We'll go along there and enjoy ourselves, the supporters."Beneath the self-deprecating Scottish humour lies a genuine belief in the steeliness Steve Clarke has forged. Drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Brazil, Scotland face a familiar path, having played Brazil and Morocco at their last Finals appearance in 1998.Strachan, though, believes they are a match for anyone. "Steve [Clarke] has put in a team that I think, the three [other] teams [in the group] will find very hard to beat. And I'm including Brazil in that, because I think we've got the strength, the height, determination, technique in there, and organisation, theyll make it hard for anybody to play against us."Strachans confidence is evident when discussing the core of the team, some of whom he handed their first international opportunities during his tenure as manager.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."I was lucky that I gave debuts to [John] McGinn, [Andy] Robertson and [Kieran] Tierney when they were just babies, really," he recalls.As for the current crop, Strachan is particularly fond of the squad's goalscoring engine room."Id love to be working with McTominay, love Scott McTominay. [Ryan] Christie. Love Christie. All these kinds of players, as you can see, that the strength is in midfield. There's no doubt about that. Not only do they score goals, but they give great protection to the back line." What to read next I got to Manchester at 4.30am after my train was abandoned the trip was worth it to get Scott McTominay to play for Scotland Alex McLeish on his efforts to secure the Napoli stars international allegiance Scotland risk losing 15-goal striker ahead of World Cup squad announcement The Scotland World Cup 2026 away kit is out - and it's a real conversation starter One of the primary talking points for Scotland heading into this tournament has been the forward line.While critics often point to a lack of a prolific "number nine" at the elite level, Strachan dismisses the concern by pointing to the versatility of the squad."With the strikers weve got, [Lawrence] Shanklands the best goal scorer. There's no doubt about that, absolutely the best goal scorer. But then Steve's got to pick what's the best for the rest of the team."Youve got to remember they said, Well, they don't have goalscorers at international level. Yeah, but you have a midfield player who scores as many as a striker, you just have to facilitate your good players and try and get as many good players on the park as you can."Shanklands recent injury layoff at Hearts could even be a blessing in disguise."The good thing about Shankland is that he had a break during the season, so he'll be really fresh. He had that injury, which sometimes you can think, Oh, that's a disaster, but sometimes it can be good for the World Cup, or even for Hearts run-in where he's fresh."The highlight of the group stage - and possibly Scotland's tournament - will be the clash with Brazil at Miamis Hard Rock Stadium. For Strachan, it is a familiar fixture. He was on the pitch in Seville during the 1982 World Cup when Scotland took a shock lead through David Narey, only to be dismantled 4-1 by perhaps the greatest team to never win the trophy."Ive got tickets for the Brazil-Scotland game. I played in 82 against that unbelievable side; Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Cerezo," Strachan added. "I was on the pitch but I dont think I played. I was there, I seen it close up but Im not really sure I played!"Strachan was speaking as an ambassador for Coventry Building Society at the Coventry Building Society Arena.All Together Better To find out more about Coventry Building Society, visit thecoventry.co.ukTOPICSGordon StrachanWorld CupJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
