Hendry said over the two legs that Scotland rather than England deserved to qualify for the Euro 2000 finals.

"I don't think (the best side has gone through) but that's football for you, isn't it? If you score more goals than the opposition, that's the reason you go through," Hendry said.

England defender Gareth Southgate: "Got to give a lot of credit to Scotland"

"Craig Brown has stressed how important statistics are and he has been shot down in flames for talking about them.

"But the main statistic tonight is that we went out because they have scored two while we scored one.

Hendry: 'So close'

"We played much better but people will not take that on board.

"It couldn't have been any closer. We knew exactly what we were going to try and do but what we didn't manage to achieve was to get the second goal."

Striker Billy Dodds, who looked far more dangerous than in the first-leg, was as inconsolable as most Scottish players and fans.

"Everybody knows how we feel," said the Dundee United striker.

Shearer: 'Scots were magnificent'

"We lost two bad goals at home and it is so hard to take. We took the game to them but it is so disappointing to lose. It is typical Scottish luck."

England skipper Alan Shearer paid tribute to the Scots.

"Scotland were wounded after Saturday. They've come here and put in a magnificent performance.

"They made it difficult for us from the start. They gave us one hell of a fight.