Opinion: James McArthur and Leigh Griffiths were Scotland's key battle winners v England

Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur may have only been on the field of play for one half, but he more than made up for his late start by helping to haul Scotland back into this game.

After a promising 15-minute spell eventually subsided during the first half, the quality of England in the middle of the park, driven forward by Jake Livermore. The understated West Brom midfielder was an influential presence, conducting play as a below-par Robert Snodgrass and an injured James Morrison struggled to impose themselves on the match.

McArthur was introduced for the latter by Gordon Strachan at the interval and his impact was significant. There was much more dig in the middle of the park, the flow of England on the attack was interrupted and once again Scotland began to find their rhythm. His composure on the ball enabled the Scots to gain a foothold in proceedings, something which was missing in the opening half. No longer was the passage of play all about shuffling the ball on as quickly as possible, instead McArthur’s diligence had a positive impact on the likes of Stuart Armstrong beside him.

The former Hamilton Accies man is a player who perhaps doesn’t get as much credit as some of his counterparts in the English top flight, but on Saturday he demonstrated he can be and surely will be a key player for Strachan.

GRIFFITHS v THE ENGLAND DEFENCE

Where to start? Those familiar with the Leigh Griffiths of two season ago, and the last to a certain extent, would not have been surprised by the industrious showing from the Celtic striker here. England, well, they couldn’t say the same.

A defence littered with multi-million pound superstars couldn’t handle his tenacity and drive. His hunger to succeed and prove to all just how good he is. Griffiths plays like every game is his last, an attitude which will surely mean the exact opposite for him in a Scotland jersey.

Within the first nine seconds he rushed an England kick off which had the visitors all over the place and conceding possession. Later on in the half his unwillingness to give up on lost causes saw him charge down an attempted clearance from a dithering Joe Hart that brought Hampden to its feet. Not for the first or the last time for the former Hibs man.

To heap praise on Griffiths as a worker alone is doing himself a disservice. His two free-kicks at the end of the match were both things of beauty. He is the most naturally gifted Scottish striker for a generation. One only wonders how the last summer may have been spent if Strachan had shown more faith in him earlier.