England (in white) and Scotland split 0-0. © APA / afp / MATT DUNHAM

England missed early entry to the round of 16 of the European Championship. The “Three Lions” did not go beyond a draw Friday night in the “Battle of Britain” against Scotland.

June 18, 2021

Author: apa / am

The duel at Wembley Stadium in London ended 0-0. Due to the balance of opportunities, the splitting of points in one of the most traditional match-ups of nations in football can be classified as performance-based. The English are only second in Group D before the final round. The Czechs, who also have 4 points, are ahead due to better goal difference, Tuesday will be the “final” for the group win in London.

The Scots got the first point as did the Croats (1: 1 against the Czech Republic), but are at the bottom of the table with a goal difference of 0: 2. The two teams will meet in Glasgow on Tuesday and are bound to win.

The youngest English team

There were two changes to England’s starting lineup compared to their 1-0 win against Croatia. Reece James, Champions League winner Chelsea, was preferred to Kyle Walker as a right back. On the left side of the rear four, Luke Shaw started in place of Kieran Trippier. With an average age of 25 years and 31 days, according to sports data specialist Opta, the youngest English line-up was starting in a World Cup or EM tournament.

After all the actors, including Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz and his assistants, knelt in a signal against racism and discrimination, the Scots made up for the qualitative difference between the two squads with a brave presence in the heavy rain. Not only on defense, team boss Steve Clarke’s troops performed very well over long distances, they also tried time and time again to put punctures in the game, so a fairly balanced first half developed.

Scots are always dangerous

The Scotland outsider was already dangerous in the 4th minute when a shot from Che Adams had just been blocked. On the other hand, John Stones was unlucky with a header to pole (11th) and aimed at Mason Mount from four meters from the goal (13th). Stephen O’Donnell tied for the best chances with a volley, which Jordan Pickford deactivated with a great save (30).

The Scottish fans had reason to celebrate. © APA / afp / JUSTIN TALLIS

After the break, the big favorite got off to a better start with shots from Mount (48th) and Reece James (55th), but again there was not much difference in class. And the Scots had even better chances in the second half of the second half. To a Dykes degree, James saved his keeper Pickford in dire need (62nd). In addition, the New Scotsman Adams missed the goal from a good position (78th). After that, the English returned to complain without being able to sanction. England did not leave the field as the winner after seven wins in a row.

England 0-0 Scotland