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.”