Scotland did a fantastic job in stopping England from winning last night at Wembley. Their performance was somewhat better than England, to be honest. England manager Gareth Southgate’s team started off the proceedings in a fashionable manner beating Croatia last week. But they failed to carry on the winning momentum to the Scotland match.
According to their position in the Group D points table England might qualify for the next quite easily should they avoid a defeat against the Czech Republic. They have scored just a solitary goal so far in the tournament and if this goal drought continues then it would be slightly difficult to compete with the likes of Germany, Portugal, France, and Italy in the knock-out stages.
Manchester City’s central defender John Stones came close to an opening goal in the game’s early stages of play. When he nearly scored from a thumping free header but was unlucky to hit the post. Later on, Phil Foden missed a sitter when Scott Mctominay gave away the position to Raheem Sterling in a dangerous area. Sterling nutmegged and gave the pass through the legs of Man Utd midfielder McTominay but Foden failed to tap in at the back of the net. Thus giving away another easy chance
England captain Harry Kane never came close to scoring in the 0-0 draw. Phil Foden was the only one who strived hard to get the breakthrough. But not the forget the contribution of McTominay and Billy Gilmour who were the best players for Scotland. They were everywhere on the field and covered every blade of grass.
Scotland kept pressing hard for the opening goal.
Pickford made a tremendous save to keep Scotland at bay at 30′. Tierney came up with an accurate cross to find Stephen O’Donnell and he hit the ball hard but only to find the gloves of Everton goalkeeper. Just a few minutes after half time Mount tested Scotland goalkeeper Marshall only for the first time in 50′. Interestingly that was the only shot on target for England. That was a solid hit from Mount but was denied by the veteran.
Dykes had the best chance for Scotland to seal the victory at the final stages of the game. But Reece James was present in the perfect place to make a scintillating goal-line clearance. Rashford was forced to bring on in place of Kane 15 minutes from full time. But the change made no difference as England was forced to settle for a point that stopped the momentum after their opening game against Croatia.
England has four points in Group D, the same as Czech Republic. The Czechs will be the next visitor to Wembley on Tuesday, while Scotland will lock-horns with Croatia.
