England fans couldn’t get away from the stadium quickly enough. Scotland’s fans stayed to sing
The difference at the end was how the two sets of supporters left the stadium. England couldn’t get away quick enough, while Scotland stayed to sing.
The pandemic may have changed much about football, but the rivalry in this, the oldest international fixture in world football, remains undimmed. It was first played in 1872 and just like then, this latest clash ended 0-0.
And how the Scots sang! Around the stadium for hours before kick-off, England supporters had belted out chorus after chorus of “Scotland get battered everywhere they go”.
But at the final whistle, it was the Tartan Army rejoicing by sarcastically singing the same song.
Crowds of supporters gathered in Leicester Square in central London after the scoreless draw. Red flares were set off as fans, many wearing kilts and draped in Scotland flags sang and cheered in the popular tourist spot.
Police were out in Leicester Square as fans gathered there. Pic: Rene Wolter
Scotland fans celebrated the goalless draw that earned them a point in the tournament. Pic: Rene Wolter
The best chances of the match had fallen to Scotland, but they failed to convert them. They now know that to progress in this tournament they need to beat Croatia on Tuesday night. After this performance, they’ll be filled with belief that they can.
England now know that they simply must beat the Czech Republic to top the group, a draw won’t be enough. And after this fruitless 90 minutes on their home turf, the pressure is very much on Gareth Southgate’s team.
If this game was anything to go by, Tuesday promises to be a nervy, adrenaline-packed night for both England and Scotland. England fans will hope their team find some creative spark from somewhere, anywhere.
England fans were in despair as they watched a lacklustre performance by Southgate’s side
Scotland fans travelled down to London for the match. Pic: Rene Wolter
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate accepted any criticism for England’s performance but urged fans to stick with players after boos greeted the final whistle.
However, some England fans were still able to look at the positive.
Mark Cumberworth, 58, and from Essex, said after the match: “I’m absolutely soaked but it’s been good fun.”
On the result, he said: “I’m disappointed, it’s almost like we’ve settled for a draw, which isn’t the worst result in the world.
“Scotland have played well. England have no chance (of winning the Euros) playing like this.”
England fans were anguished as Southgate’s men missed chances during the tie
Scotland fans celebrated the result despite their side failing to find the back of the net
One Scotland fan said to me outside Wembley stadium after the game: “Brilliant, fantastic. Masterclass, an absolute masterclass from (the manager) Steve Clarke.”
Another Scotland supporter said: “I’m happy we’ve got a point, it rolls on to Tuesday night and then or the first time in a lifetime we’re going to qualify for a major championship.”
A third Scot said: “We were the better team and deserved the win. It was a good point though. a point gives us a chance to get through, if we win on Tuesday we will go through.”
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Scotland fans celebrate draw with England
England’s Jack Grealish, left, and John Stones, right, were left disappointed by the result
Malcolm Gillespie, from Falkirk but living in London, said the draw was an “amazing” result for Scotland and praised the setup at the central London designated key worker area.
The 41-year-old, who attended with his son Santiago, eight, said: “I’m happy but I definitely think we could have edged a win. They’ve played really well.
“It’s been fantastic, a really nice atmosphere.
“I spoke to some English fans who were really friendly. We’ve loved every minute of it.”
On the weather, he said: “It’s OK, we came prepared, we’re Scottish.”
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after an elderly couple died following a fire at their home in St Helens.
Peter Eric Greener, 77, known as Eric, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, were caught in the blaze at their home on South John Street in the early hours of Tuesday.
Mr Greener died on Wednesday, while Ms Jackson died on Thursday.
Eric Greener. Pic: Merseyside Police
Sheila Jackson. Pic: Merseyside Police
Merseyside Police said an accelerant was used to start the fire.
On Sunday, the force said the suspect from St Helens had been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.
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Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: “Although an arrest has been made, I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to pass on information directly to police or anonymously via Crimestoppers, and not to comment or post in any way which jeopardises this ongoing work.”
DS Wilson said “extensive enquiries” continue.
She added: “And to that end we are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward, particularly if you live in the area of South John Street and recall seeing or hearing anything suspicious at around the time of the incident.
“Please do not assume what you know has already been reported to us, as we can quickly make that assessment.”
UK
How e-bike riders are doing double the speed limit – and many of them work for fast food delivery firms
It’s lunchtime on Birmingham’s New Street.
Close to its many restaurants, food delivery riders are congregating on their bikes.
The area is packed with shoppers and workers.
PC Paige Gartlan is approaching with other officers. She’s on the lookout for illegally modified e-bikes – and she knows she’ll find them here.
“You can physically tell by looking at the bike that it’s generally going to be illegal – the battery pack is taped on to the sides and generally the size of the motor that’s on the back wheel,” she explains.
Sky News has been invited on an operation by West Midlands Police to find these bikes and get them off the streets.
PC Gartlan has been hit by one before. She’s had to tackle a rider to the floor after he drove into her.
Within minutes, she’s spotted a suspicious-looking bike. The rider makes a run for it – followed by plain-clothed officers.
PC Gartlan tests the bike – it’s showing a top speed of 52km/hr on the speedometer – just over 30mph.
PC Paige Gartlan with a seized e-bike
The speed limit for e-bikes in the UK is 15.5mph when using electric power for assistance.
I look up the street and another two riders have been detained. In less than an hour, officers have confiscated four bikes – all were being ridden by fast food delivery drivers.
The commotion is attracting a lot of attention.
“They are dangerous,” Sandra, who has just finished work, tells me.
Demoz had his bike taken by police
She’s stood watching the riders being questioned. She says she’s had near-misses herself and is worried for the safety of the elderly and children.
It’s not just West Midlands police officers here – immigration officials are carrying out checks too. They’re involved in a nationwide operation, which has seen more than 7,000 arrests in the last year – a 50% increase on last year.
Matthew Foster, the immigration enforcement lead officer for the West Midlands, tells me they’ve already found one individual who has entered the UK unlawfully.
“He’s been detained,” he says, “to affect his removal from the UK.”
Further down the street, police are loading illegally modified bikes on to a van – they’re destined to be crushed. One of them had belonged to Demoz.
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An e-bike seized by West Midlands Police
He’s on his way home, carrying a big box with the logo of one of the main fast food delivery firms on it.
He tells me he used to have an illegal bike, but he thought his new one was legal.
“I make a mistake, I have to say sorry, I will do better for the future,” he says.
I get in touch with the big delivery firms; Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat.
Their representatives say they constantly remind workers of their safety obligations, and that they’re all working closely with the government to increase security checks on riders.
As he leaves, Demoz, now bike-free, tells me he’s thinking of changing his job.
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