Scotland made history on Tuesday night, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark.
Former West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke took Scotland over the line and booked their place in North America next year.
Whilst the likes of Scott McTominay and Kieran Tierney will steal the headlines, the team that made it happen is full of stories from the EFL.
The starting XI that took on Denmark includes six current and former EFL players, with a further two coming off the bench.
From Lyndon Dykes to Grant Hanley, Scotland’s dream night at Hampden Park would not have been possible without those who either have played or play currently in the EFL.
Here’s a look at the most prominent names to have played their part in the EFL and this famous campaign for Scotland.
Lyndon Dykes
The current Birmingham City front man started the game up top and has been a part of the Scotland squad throughout qualifying.
Dykes first dropped in the EFL with QPR, there he scored 37 goals in the Championship before becoming a part of the big spending Birmingham project, as they looked to get out of League One at the first time of asking.
Whilst the 30-year-old has struggled for form when playing for Scotland. Despite this he did net the winner in a 3-1 win over Greece. The goal gave his side important points on the road to qualification.
Grant Hanley
Former Norwich City stalwart, Grant Hanley is an ever-present in Clarke’s Scotland side.
Hanley has now left the EFL to return home with Hibernian. He is most well known for his hard hitting tackles in England’s second division.
The central defender began his career at Blackburn Rovers, really breaking into the first team as they were relegated from the Premier League.
After a brief stint helping Newcastle United return the the top flight, Hanley moved to Norwich.
In yellow and green, the now 33-year-old would secure two promotions from the Championship in a mainly successful spell.
Last season, Hanley would join Dykes and the Birmingham project. The pair helped the team win League One with a record points tally.
The defender may now be back in Scotland but he was most certainly made in the EFL.
Kenny McLean
The Norwich theme continues with Kenny McLean, scorer of a goal that will now already be infamous, from the half-way line to seal Scotland’s place.
Midfielder McLean made the move to Carrow Road in January of 2018, before finishing the season on-loan at Aberdeen.
Since joining Norwich, like Hanley, now has two promotions to the Premier League on his CV. This combined with his form has mad him become a cult hero at the club.
Often being used as utility man, McLean can and will play anywhere in midfield and defence. Since joining the club, the 33-year-old has amassed 278 appearances for the Norfolk side. He has now earned the captaincy.
Che Adams
The newest member of the Scottish Italian job, Che Adams now plays for Torino in Seria A but his roots firmly lie in the EFL.
Staring his career at Sheffield United, Adam’s broke onto the in 2015/16, netting 11 goals for the Blades in League One.
The form saw him move up a step with Birmingham City before a 22 goal season saw the Premier League calling.
Adams would spend four seasons with Southampton in the top flight before returning to the Championship with the club. In his lone season back in England’s second division, he scored 16 times as Saints were promoted via the playoffs.
Adams has led the line for Scotland on many occasions, netting twice in this qualifying campaign in a run that included the opener in the sides 2-1 win over Belarus.
The EFL Train
There are plenty of players who could have easily been spoken about on this list. The impact of the EFL has a huge affect on the home nations when it comes to international football. Scotland is no exception.
John McGinn played in the Championship with Aston Villa. Ryan Christie with AFC Bournemouth and Andy Robertson had two season in the division with Hull City.
Scott McKenna also played in the Championship with Nottingham Forest. George Hirst has followed in the footsteps with Ipswich Town.
Ben Gannon-Doak had his breakout campaign with Middlesbrough last season. The list just goes on.
Scotland head to North America next year ready to party, with thanks in no doubt to some of those member who play in the EFL.
