Bitter draw for the English national team: in the prestigious “Battle of Britain” against rival Scotland, of all things, the European Championship favorite in London did not go beyond a goalless draw. While England, who started the tournament well with a 1-0 win against vice-world champions Croatia, lacked penetration for a long time on Friday evening, the Scots defended passionately. The first points win by the “Bravehearts” in Group D is perfectly fine. England, on the other hand, missed out on early qualification for the round of 16.
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In the rain – as is typical for the country – around 22,500 loud fans from both teams at Wembley Stadium looked weak and poor in the first half. Above all, the Englishman, who is widely regarded as EM’s favorite because of his top-notch team, is disappointed. “Three Lions” fans acknowledged their team’s slow performance with whistles on their way to the dressing room. Mancity defender John Stones (12th) had the biggest chance to make it 1-0 when Mason Mounted his header from the corner on the post. The Scots did surprisingly well with their larger neighbors after an early 1:2 loss against the Czech Republic. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had to stretch powerfully for his Super Parade after a volley low shot by Stephen O’Donnell (30th) stopped 0:1.
Anyone who expected a big response from coach Gareth Southgate’s English team after half time was at first quite disappointed. However, the Englishman was more imaginative than in the last leg before the break, but a little deviating from the sometimes good deeds of the superstars. Mount’s low shot (48th) from the corner of the box after a blocked cross from Liverpool star Andrew Robertson was the most dangerous move of the opening stages. Like Pickford, keeper David Marshall had to work hard in the first half. At times, the Scots were even close to sensation as the English team was also not fully functioning. Lyndon Dykes (62nd) with a shot from a corner and Che Adams (78th) after a corner both had winning goals in the foot.
Everything is still open before the final match in Group D: England and the Czech Republic lead the table with four points after two matches. Croatia and Scotland are waiting with a point each and still have a chance to reach the round of 16. Next Tuesday evening, Croatia and Scotland as well as the Czech Republic and England will play against each other (both at 9 pm).
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