Gordon Strachan to remain as manager of Scotland for World Cup qualifier against England in November

The 59-year-old was expected to resign by some following Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat by Slovakia

Gordon Strachan will take charge of Scotland when they play England next month (PA)

Gordon Strachan will continue as Scotland manager for the “Battle of Britain” match against England next month despite a poor start to their campaign to reach the World Cup in 2018.

The 59-year-old was expected to resign by some following Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat by Slovakia, a result which left them fourth in Group F, but he has elected to remain in position for the eagerly anticipated fixture with England at Wembley on 11 November.

Former Southampton and Celtic manager Strachan, who succeeded Craig Levein in January 2013, signed fresh terms on a two-year extension to his contract in the summer after being the only home nations country not to secure a place at Euro 2016.

Assistant manager Mark McGhee, who also works as Motherwell boss, insists that confidence is high among the Scotland camp that they can qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1998 - despite winning just one of their fixtures thus far, against Malta.

“I still think we have a great chance of qualification,” McGhee told BBC Scotland. “Obviously results have to improve but I think there is the potential for that to happen.”

If the Scots lose to England next month, it appears almost inevitable that Strachan will leave his post as manager as it would leave his side six points adrift of the group leaders.

Speaking following the reverse to Slovakia, he said: “We are one point off a play-off place. It is a crazy group.”