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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Impressive Scotland hold England to draw

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London, June 19


The much-anticipated match between the oldest rivals in football ended in a stalemate with neither side able to find a way to score. But with a point from this game and another group match to come, England should have enough to qualify for the last 16.


England manager Gareth Southgate said: “I think it was a fair score-line. We didn’t do enough to win the game. We didn’t do enough to create clear cut chances but we didn’t deserve to lose the game either. We give huge credit to Scotland, they defended extremely well and they used the ball well.”


He added: “We had moments down the sides where the spaces were but we couldn’t exploit those spaces. Scotland defended those areas well and we couldn’t find the answers. We have to look at the whole performance and use of the ball and review where we can be better.”


Scotland were impressive, well drilled and made it difficult for England to get beyond their midfield. They certainly had the better of the first half. For Scotland, 19-year-old Billy Gilmour was outstanding and Andrew Robertson, on the left, was a threat to the opposition.


England looked anxious, panicky at times and ragged, almost as if they lacked self-belief. Much was expected of striker Harry Kane who hardly touched the ball in the first half. He did have a chance from a superb cross from Reece James but the ball skidded in front of him as he attempted a diving header.


England had their best chance in the first half when John Stone rose unchallenged to a corner but headed against the post. That was followed by near misses with Phil Foden’s left-footed shot going just wide of the far post and Mason Mount missing a near post opportunity when his shot was deflected wide. Mount had also forced an excellent save from David Marshall.


Scotland were unlucky not to score when a shot by Lyndon Dykes was headed off the line by James in the 62nd minute and Che Adams missed a good chance in the 78th minute, putting his shot wide. Prior to that, in the first half, Jordan Pickford made a fine diving save from Stephen O’Donnell’s shot. At the final whistle, there were boos from England fans who felt let down while the underdog Scots roared.


Scotland manager, Steve Clarke said: “I was pleased with the performance. We defended well, we played well. Obviously, we had to be solid defensively, we had to work hard to stop England creating chances that they always create.” He praised his players. “Steve O’Donnell was exceptional and Billy Gilmour was just behind him. He is a big player on big stage and big part in future for Scotland.”


He added: “I’m pleased for all my players and staff. The objective was to get something out of the game so that we can go into the next game with chance to qualify for next round and that’s what we’ve done, so we’re pleased with that.”


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