LONDON (DPA) – Scotland fans celebrated a minute-long party in the stands after the final whistle, with most English supporters looking for a quick exit.
In the incessant rain of London, Bravehearts fans cheered their 0-0 victory over arch-rivals and celebrated their team with loud cheers. While the English took first place in this European Football Championship and missed an early jump in the round of 16, the Scots could also be dreaming of reaching the knockout stage thanks to a surprise points win. But they need a win in their last group match against Croatia on Tuesday. England are playing against the Czech Republic at the same time.
Play “Tough” and “Tough”
After the less glamorous but exciting classic at Wembley, England captain Harry Kane said: “Praise to Scotland, they defended very well.” The result was “fine” because his team “didn’t perform at its best” and “didn’t make enough chances”. The game was “hard” and “hard”. “We wanted to stay out and survive,” Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour said. And the outsider had succeeded.
The mood was charged even before the 115th edition of Evergreen began. Most of the 22,500 spectators blew a loud whistle with the Scots national anthem. When players from both teams took their knees for a moment just before kick-off, as announced earlier, to send a common signal against discrimination and racism, there was mostly applause, but some boos as well.
On the pitch, the favored English quickly took control. John Stones took the lead after about eleven minutes, but the post was hit with a head from a corner. Two minutes later, Mason Mount pushed the ball across the goal from close range. It is for a long time, but with good opportunities. The Three Lions, whose starting eleven averaged 25 years and 31 days and thus the youngest Englishman in a World Cup or European Championship match, had more possession of the ball, but had hardly any consideration in further play. His appearance was initially reminiscent of a 1–0 win against Croatia, when he started with a swing and then subsided.
Scotland Strong
Scots relied largely on their defense to recover from an injury, on the defensive, on fighting and passion, but now and then on the offensive tone. Like in the fourth minute, when a shot from Che Adams was blocked after a good combination. Or in the 30th minute, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford played a strong innings against Stephen O’Donnell. As the first half progressed, the guests seemed more daring – and the English fans were more dissatisfied.
The English also started the second half early, but they were rarely really dangerous. Mount Scotland’s goalkeeper David Marshall (48th) failed with a low shot, Reece James shot too far from a promising position (55th). The right-back was then challenged backwards from Chelsea and saved a brilliant effort on the line (62nd) by Lyndon Dykes.
The game remained exciting, but England in front also remained unimaginable for a long time. Coach Gareth Southgate tried to crank up the home team’s offensive with new staff, first bringing in Jack Grealish and then Marcus Rashford for hapless James Foden and Kane. Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, who was in the English team this time, unlike the first game against Croatia, remained on the bench. In the 78th minute, Adams almost ensured a sensational victory for the Bravehearts, but opened fire on him. So the new version of the world’s oldest football duel ended like its premiere 149 years ago in Glasgow: 0-0.
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