Scotland put up an impressive performance to hold rivals England to a 0-0 Draw in their Euro 2020 ‘Battle of Britain’ Group D encounter at Wembley.
It was the first meeting between the men’s teams in a major tournament since Euro 96. England started with Harry Kane up front, while Southampton’s Che Adams started in attack alongside Lyndon Dykes for the Scots. Adams almost drew first blood for the Scots in the fourth minute when his goal-bound shot hit defender John Stones.
England responded with Stones rattling the frame of the goal from a corner by Mason Mount, who then wasted a glorious chance, firing wide after good work by Raheem Sterling. England were indebted to Jordan Pickford for a great low save from O’Donnell’s volley before halftime as the hosts failed to get a shot on target.
England began the second period on the attack when Mason Mount’s fierce shot forced goalkeeper Marshall into his first save of the match. England continued to press and Reece James almost gave the hosts the lead, but fired his shot over the post.
England suffered a scare when Dykes’ effort looked like creeping in before James headed the ball clear.
Gareth Southgate reacted and brought on Jack Grealish to replace Phil Foden. Grealish attempted to create a few chances but was closely marked as he was unable to unlock the Scottish defence. Kane was taken off in the 74th minute as he was ineffective against the Scots, and was replaced by Marcus Rashford.
Both sides struggled to open each other’s defence as the match looked to end in a draw.
England rarely looked like breaking through as bravehearts Scotland clung on for a share of the spoils as fans cheered loud and long after the referee blew the final whistle.
England’s ambitions to be crowned kings of Europe got a cold dose of reality by a gutsy Scotland side in a Euro 2020 ‘Battle of Britain’ encounter. Steve Clarke’s side matched the opponents throughout the absorbing contest.
“Fair result, fair play to Scotland they defended well,” Kane said after the match. “It wasn’t our best performance, but it’s another point closer to qualification and that’s our ultimate goal.”
England are level on four points with the Czech Republic who they face at Wembley on Tuesday, while Scotland and Croatia, who each have one point, meet at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Euro 2020 results
Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic
Sweden 1-0 Slovakia
England 0-0 Scotland
