ENGLAND fans were left frustrated last night as the Three Lions were held to a 0-0 Euros draw by battling Scotland.
Gareth Southgate’s stars missed a golden chance to seal their place in the knock-out stages thanks to a plucky display by the Auld Enemy.
But they remain hot favourites to win Group D if they beat the Czech Republic on Tuesday night.
A point will see them qualify and put them on collision course with one of France, Germany or Portugal.
The atmosphere among Wembley’s 22,500 Covid-restricted crowd reached fever pitch before kick-off when the Scottish anthem was booed by home fans.
Both teams took the knee with the anti-racism gesture greeted by a mixture of jeers and applause.
After a cagey start, England defender John Stones towered above the Scottish defence to head against the post.
Moments later Chelsea’s Mason Mount was unable to convert another chance from six yards out with the Scottish defence in tatters.
The visitors rallied and England keeper Jordan Pickford palmed away a Stephen O’Donnell volley on 30 minutes.
Below-par England huffed and puffed but failed to register a single shot on target in the first half.
Scotland outplayed their hosts for much of the game.
Their defence snuffed out England captain Harry Kane, who appeared tired before being substituted for Marcus Rashford.
The final whistle signalled only the fourth 0-0 in 115 meetings between football’s oldest rivals.
Fans in the stadium and millions more in pubs and homes across the nation were left subdued.
Three Lions fan Steve Biggins, a 34-year-old roofer from Fulham, West London said: “It was a tough watch because on paper we had a far better team than the Scots.
“But they dug deep and have succeeded in frustrating us. But it was never going to be easy and we still have a great chance if we can get fired up to beat the Czechs.”
Loss adjuster Paul Elliott, 26, from Luton, Beds said: “It’s not the result I hoped for or expected because we came into the game red hot favourites.
“But that’s what happens in football and I’m sure we have the character and the great players to bounce back.
“It’s a small setback but we’re unbeaten. It’s still coming home.”
Retired council officer John Millar, 61, from Stourbridge, West Mids, said: “We had the chances to win but never quite got going, and fair play to the Scots they put up a hell of a fight.
“But we have four points in the group and a great chance of progressing if we can get back into top gear.” Storms lashed London for hours before kick-off.
Up to 20,000 Scots headed south despite being allocated just 3,000 tickets. Boozed-up fans danced naked in London’s Hyde Park.
They skinny-dipped in the park’s Serpentine and stumbled all over the capital chanting: “No Scotland, no party!”
In Leicester Square, cheeky fans lifted kilts and bared bums as the West End turned into a sea of tartan and St Andrew saltires. Police kept a low profile as the atmosphere stayed good-natured while the crowd cheered their heroes.
The rain failed to dampen the Scotland fans’ spirits as they swigged beers and lit blue and white flares. And one reveller poked fun by wearing a glum Gareth Southgate mask.
But Covid distancing appeared to be totally ignored — amid mounting anger that Scottish Premier Nicola Sturgeon had done nothing to halt the mass invasion.
Earlier this year she condemned Rangers fans who gathered to celebrate their league title — but said nothing about the Tartan Army’s invasion last night, only appealing for them to “stay safe” and “be respectful to our hosts”.
England Wags were out in force in the socially-distanced VIP seats and wore Three Lions shirts bearing their partners’ names.
They included Harry Kane’s wife Katie, 27, Jordan Pickford’s missus Megan Davison, 25, and Kyle Walker’s partner Annie Kilner, 27.
Also there were Harry Maguire’s fiancée Fern Hawkins, 25, Luke Shaw’s girlfriend Anouska Santos, 29 and Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte, 29.
The Wags army was bolstered by Kalvin Phillips’ girlfriend Ashleigh Behan, 26, Raheem Sterling’s girlfriend Paige Milian, 26 and Declan Rice’s partner Lauren Fryer, 22
The girls have been banned from seeing their loved ones owing to Covid restrictions, which could keep them apart till July 11 if England reach the final.
But the lionesses have formed their own bubble during the tournament and were on top form as they cheered on their men. Celebs at the game included David Beckham and son Romeo, and Scotland-mad Sir Rod Stewart, who paid a fortune for an executive box for six family and friends.
The singer, who was born in London but is of Scottish descent, had predicted a 1-0 win for Steve Clarke’s men.
Sir Rod told The Sun: “I’ve been watching these games since I was aged 14 — England and Scotland — and I’ve had my heart broken so many times.”
Chief Inspector Joe Stokoe, spokesman for the Met’s Euros police operation, said: “Two men were arrested last night. A 25-year-old man was arrested for indecent exposure in Hyde Park.
“He was taken into police custody before being cautioned and released. Another man was arrested for the attempted theft of a police officer’s hat, assault with intent of avoiding arrest and assault of emergency worker.
“He was taken to a South London police station where he currently remains.”
Bring back the waistcoat, Gareth
ENGLAND fans begged manager Gareth Southgate to bring back his lucky waistcoat after the team’s flat performance last night.
His natty tailoring took the country by storm during England’s progression through the 2018 World Cup.
But his new raincoat hasn’t impressed.
Sun man blonde like Foden
SUN man Isaac Crowson had his hair bleached peroxide blond like Eng- land’s Phil Foden.
But Isaac, 27, had a look of woe after Man City’s Phil was taken off in the goalless draw.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
