Gareth Southgate heartened by England’s resolve after thrilling World Cup qualifier finale

England manager Gareth Southgate said his team’s last-gasp 2-2 draw against Scotland demonstrated the kind of mental fortitude he is trying to instil in his players.

England shipped two late Leigh Griffiths free-kicks in Saturday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park, only for new captain Harry Kane to rescue a point by volleying in a 93rd-minute equaliser.

Southgate is trying to rebuild England’s confidence after the shock of last year’s Euro 2016 humiliation by Iceland and said his players’ perseverance in the face of improbable odds was a sign that they are on the right path.

“I think it’s a huge moment for the team,” said Southgate, who took his squad to a military training camp on a team-building exercise last week.

“The questions around us centre on character and the ability to withstand events that go against you. That’s what we’ve got to show.

“We have to be a team that are never beaten. We have to be a team that, maybe the clock runs out, but you never, ever stop.