With the competition expanded to 48 nations, the top two from each group progress, along with the eight best third-placed nations.

“We want to get out of the group and take it from there,” stated McTominay, 29.

“We have to change the mentality of the fact that we might not be top 10, 15, whatever. We need to change that mentality that we can play against anybody and do really well.

“That’s the key message going into the World Cup, prepare yourself well and make sure we come out of the group at all costs and I feel like we are more than capable of doing that. We all strive towards being one of the most successful Scottish teams in history.

“To do it with a group of guys that you have been around – like John [McGinn] and Andy [Robertson] have been there for 10 years – obviously me and Billy have been six or seven years, so for us to do it all together and we have had a lot of time on the pitch together would be probably the highlight of your career.”

‘The greatest Scottish manager ever’

Steve Clarke has now taken Scotland to three of the past four major finals, following back-to-back European Championship qualifications.

The 62-year-old, who will be out of contract after the World Cup, is the nation’s longest-serving head coach, with 76 matches under his belt since 2019.

“He has been brilliant,” enthused Gilmour. “He will go down as the greatest Scottish manager ever.

“There’s been some tough times and, as a group, we have come together with the manager and got ourselves out of those difficult moments and now we are starting to see the stadium packed and chanting and getting behind us.”

Clarke cultivates a dour image, rarely getting too high or low, and has remained loyal to a core group, building experience and forging a strong bond.

“We love him,” stated McTominay. “First and foremost, he is a great man who gives the players licence to express themselves off the pitch and on the pitch as well.

“How together we are is extremely important going into a major tournament.

“We know our goals. To come out of the group has to be the only thing on our minds.”

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