3 takeaways from England's Wembley stroll over Scotland

Heads are expected to roll in Scotland's coaching staff after nodded efforts from Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana, and Gary Cahill saw Gordon Strachan's side succumb to a 3-0 loss in England.

The World Cup qualifier will likely spell the end of the veteran gaffer's Scotland reign, a tenure soiled by questionable selections from Strachan but also highlighting the substandard players that have been churned out north of the border since World Cup 1998 - its last major tournament outing.

A contrasting fortune should be bestowed upon England interim manager Southgate, who will likely be offered the post on a permanent basis, and will have to contend with the biennial misplaced optimism ahead of Russia 2018 after steering the Three Lions to another easy qualification campaign.

Following the Wembley clash, England holds a two-point cushion atop Group F, while Scotland languishes in fifth.

Here are three takeaways from Friday's wrangle:

Playing from the back isn't in the English psyche

Each member of England's back four hailed from the birthplace of the country's game - South Yorkshire - but while John Stones has the class and composure to start things from the back, the other trio's play seems entrenched in the muddy pitches of Sheffield and Barnsley.

Gary Cahill is a player that has shown some lush technical ability in his time - he once scored an obscene overhead kick for Aston Villa against archrival Birmingham City - but, approaching his 31st birthday, his physical aptitude has dwindled. A passing game starting from the backline would inevitably see the opposition's press focus on Cahill's propensity to dwell in possession.

And, considering the lack of a Fernandinho or third centre-half making themselves available for a pass like at Manchester City, Stones' halftime numbers were praiseworthy.

If Southgate is decided as the long-term option for England, patience will have to be exercised for him to drag the squad from the meat-and-potatoes 4-4-2 and wing play that has epitomised its play for generations. But passing from the back is one of several aspects that could be part of England's makeup for years to come.

Strachan picks right up top, but it's too late

If it wasn't for shanked efforts on goal and woeful decision making when encroaching on England's penetrable defence, Scotland could've nicked a result at Wembley.

Leigh Griffiths may have been toiling for minutes at Celtic lately - Brendan Rodgers has introduced strong options in Parkhead in Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair - but he is the most natural finisher at Strachan's disposal.

It's quite remarkable that it was Griffith's first Scotland start since March when you look at the alternatives: Chris Martin is as impactful as the dull ditties his namesake writes for Coldplay, Steven Fletcher has been in dour form lately for Sheffield Wednesday, and Steven Naismith lacks minutes and appears disinterested at Norwich City.

Strachan will pay for what he chose to do - or rather not do - elsewhere though. Scott Brown puffed out his cheeks but didn't do much else, and there was a lack of youthful abandon in attack, something that RB Leipzig teenager Oliver Burke offers.

And conceding three headers - the source of seven of England's last eight goals against Scotland - accentuated how poor both the centre-halves and deep-lying midfielders were in picking up runners on aerial deliveries.

A 3-0 loss was a harsh assessment of Scotland, however.

Sympathy is due for Strachan considering the shallow pool he's had to pick from, but he should be off to the Job Centre in the coming days.

What's on Southgate's job list?

Passing from the back seems to have been adopted, but Southgate will designate himself more tasks if he accepts the full-time gig.

Maybe topping that list is overseeing the fruition of England's renewed efforts in youth coaching.

He'll choose the strongest personnel he has available for Russia, so those aged 28 and over - Wayne Rooney, Cahill, Joe Hart, Adam Lallana, and others - should travel, but his previous task presiding over the England Under-21s will hopefully see him gradually bed youngsters in the senior setup.

Nathan Redmond and Tammy Abraham are among those who could be promoted before the World Cup, but he should look towards the U20s, a group that has been playing together with decent success since their early teens. Reece Oxford, Patrick Roberts, and others should be training closely with the first team at St George's Park.

The Football Association spent 11 years and £105 million assembling the Burton-upon-Trent base, and will want a return on that investment soon.

Related: FA can't afford to squander England's emerging generation