EURO 2020: England Held To Draw By Scotland At Wembley

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England and Scotland played out a goalless draw at Wembley to leave both countries with their hopes of reaching Euro 2020’s knockout stage very much alive.

The first meeting between the men’s teams in a major tournament since Euro 96 was played out in a typically raucous atmosphere despite only 22,500 fans in attendance – and both sides had big opportunities to win.

Most of the honours must go to Scotland, however, who bounced back from their opening defeat by the Czech Republic at Hampden Park with real resilience and character to fully deserve this important point.

England, who were sluggish and disappointing, should have taken the lead early on when John Stones headed Mason Mount’s corner against the woodwork.

As Scotland settled and improved, England were grateful to Jordan Pickford’s superb save from Stephen O’Donnell and a goal-line clearance from Reece James to divert Lyndon Dykes’ goal-bound shot after the break.

England had plenty of possession in the second half but this must never be portrayed as a Scottish rearguard action. It was anything but.

England faded badly after a bright start although Raheem Sterling was furious when Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz ignored his pleas for a second-half penalty when he tangled with Andy Robertson.

England did not deserve victory but they are still in a very healthy position going into their final game.

Yes, they were forced back for periods but were always positive, on the lookout to attack and it needed that crucial intervention from James to deny Dykes a winner.

And in 20-year-old Billy Gilmour, on his first Scotland start, they had the game’s outstanding performer, the Chelsea’s midfielder showing his class on the ball and a real fighting spirit in the physical challenges. It was an outstanding, mature display.

Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney also showed how much he was missed in that Czech defeat with a powerhouse performance that must give Scotland real hope against Croatia.

It was The Tartan Army who were elated at the final whistle while England’s players heard the sound of loud jeering from their supporters.

Scotland’s players punched the air with delight when the final whistle sounded and they had secured a point that keeps them in the mix going into their final game.

Gareth Southgate’s England side, with a win over Croatia in the bag, now have a chance to overtake the Czech Republic and win Group D in their final game while Scotland will chase victory against Croatia at Hampden Park.

BBC