Nicolas Pépé strikes for Côte d’Ivoire to worsen Scotland’s World Cup worries

The playing of a Scotland fixture on Merseyside provided a significant boost to the area’s ­hospitality sector. Questions remain over whether or not Scotland’s World Cup involvement this summer can deliver on‑field impact.

Steve Clarke believes momentum is little more than a buzzword. There is an unavoidable sense, however, that Scotland are desperately in need of precisely that with North America calling. Supporters are edgy.