CRAIG Gordon has attributed Scotland's poor performance against England to their exertions against Euro 2016 rivals the Republic of Ireland four days earlier.
A goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and two from Wayne Rooney, answered only by Andrew Robertson's consolation strike, showed the gulf between the two sides at Celtic Park on Tuesday.
Gordon said: "We were off the pace against England and I think the Ireland game was probably the reason.
"It was a big build-up to a massive game. It was one that we felt as players that we needed to win. It was a really tough game. We probably came up a little bit short against England as a result of that.
"Our performance wasn't what we have been used to over the last nine or ten games and that is disappointing.
"Over a long period it has been good. We have been playing well. That might just be the reminder that we have to get back to doing what we do best - sticking together as a team.
"I am sure there will be more good ones in the future in our qualifying campaign."
Gordon warned Robertson not to get carried away by netting his first for his country
Robertson was one of the team's top performers in the games against the Republic and England. Gordon, winning his first cap in four years, was pleased by his performances.
But the Hoops keeper says Robertson still needs to work hard to hold his place.
Gordon said: "I don't tend to think: 'Yeah, I belong at this level'.
"It is something that you have to continually work at. Andy has to be like that and I am sure that he will."
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