England disappointed in the Battle of Britain, played only 0-0 against Scotland

Berlin / London – No winners in the Battle of Britain – and yet England losers: did not advance to a disappointing 0–0 in a prestige duel with European Championship co-favorites Scotland and thus missed preliminary qualification for the Round of 16 went. . In cold, wet British weather, the Three Lions did a lot against the good Scots, eventually even hearing a whistle at London’s Wembley Stadium.

After a narrow opening win in the top game against Croatia (1–0), England came a small step closer to the knockout rounds. With four points, Gareth Southgate’s team top Group D with the Czech Republic, and will have a direct duel next Tuesday (9 pm).

In their first major tournament in 23 years, Scotland still have at least one point chance to reach the Round of 16 and can take a lot of confidence from this oldest duel in football history.

Nearly 150 years ago, in November 1872, England and Scotland met on the pitch for the first time, and on Friday the game went into its 115th edition. The role of the outsider was strongly reserved for Scots, but it is precisely from this that they have always drawn their inspiration in the “fight for Great Britain”. “The whole country will be behind us,” said Stuart Armstrong of Scotland.

Jones just hit the post

Although the encounter was not an everyday occurrence for the young English team, “one of the greatest games of our careers” also awaited Marcus Rashford. After a few minutes, England developed suitable pressure: John Stones (11th) hit a header on the post, just two minutes later Raheem Sterling caught the ball in the opposing penalty area, Mason Mount in the middle missed only a centimeter.

After team manager Gareth Southgate had rebuilt his highly talented squad after the win against Croatia, Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho made it to the squad this time – but not in the starting line-up. However, after a good initial phase, he began to have problems with the Scots, who were confident not only in terms of fighting. Incessant rain and only around 13 degrees, the English came to a standstill, Scotland freed themselves more easily and then came up with a great opportunity: a remarkable volley from Stephen O’Donnell scored a strong save to Jordan Pickford. (30th) forced to do.

Dykes missed the sensation

England’s game was now looking sluggish, with the favorites in the break blowing the whistle by some of the 22,500 spectators. On the other hand, 3,000 or more Scottish fans witnessed a duel at eye level in the second half. The outsider had to survive another strong start stage for the English, but then forced the opponent to play again and soon got the next clear opportunity.

Brilliant as O’Donnell in the first half, Lyndon Dykes was out of the turn (62nd) but narrowly survived. England still lacked pace and amazing things in the game ahead.