Scotland and England Held to Draws in Euro 2024 Group Stages
This week, Scotland and England faced tough matches in the Euro 2024 group stages, ending in draws. Scotland secured their first tournament point with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. They must win against Hungary on Sunday to stay in contention for qualification. England, in a better position after their victory over Serbia in the first game, delivered a poor performance against Denmark. They need a win against Slovenia on Tuesday to secure the top spot and avoid a potential clash with Germany.
Scotland 1 – Switzerland 1: A Hard-Fought Point
Scotland overcame injuries and self-inflicted setbacks to secure a crucial point against Switzerland, keeping their Euro 2024 campaign alive. Scott McTominay’s deflected shot in the 13th minute almost lifted the roof off the deafening Cologne Stadium.
📽️ Scotland at Euro 2024: Fan zone in Cologne erupts as Scott McTominay scores Scotland’s opener against Switzerland#euro2024 | #Scotland | #Switzerland pic.twitter.com/vz64lU4Bta
— The Daily Record (@Daily_Record) June 19, 2024
However, a blind back pass from Anthony Ralston allowed Xherdan Shaqiri to score with a sublime shot beyond Angus Gunn. Despite numerous challenges, Scotland held on for a draw.
Kieran Tierney’s hamstring injury forced him off, and Dan Ndoye missed a golden chance when through on goal. Scotland, already stretched thin in defence, displayed resilience in the closing stages. Grant Hanley struck the post with a header from an Andy Robertson free-kick, and the Swiss squandered late chances. The Scots’ point moved them to third in Group A, with victory against Hungary potentially securing their first-ever progression from the group stage.
In their 5-1 defeat by hosts Germany, Scotland looked a shadow of the team that had stunned Norway and Spain in qualifying. However, against Switzerland, they showed renewed guile and determination. McTominay’s opener was vintage Scotland, with Andy Robertson leading a counter-attack that ended in a deflected shot rocketing into the net. The Scots’ defensive nerviness persisted, but they attacked fearlessly in the second half, giving themselves a chance to stay in the tournament.
| Team Standings | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | P | W | D | L | Goals | PTS |
| Germany | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7:1 | 6 |
| Switzerland | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4:2 | 4 |
| Scotland | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2:6 | 1 |
| Hungary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1:5 | 0 |
England 1 – Denmark 1: A Missed Opportunity for the Three Lions
England squandered the chance to secure their place in the Euro 2024 knockout stages as Group C winners with a dismal display against Denmark in Frankfurt. Harry Kane’s goal in the 18th minute gave England the lead, but Denmark equalised with a thunderous 25-yard strike from Morten Hjulmand. England’s disorganised performance was met with jeers from their fans, underscoring the need for significant improvements against Slovenia.
Gareth Southgate’s side could have topped Group C with a win following the earlier draw between Slovenia and Serbia. However, their disjointed display left England grateful for a point. Southgate’s decision to make four substitutions with more than 20 minutes left highlighted England’s struggles. Fans inside Frankfurt Arena voiced their displeasure well before the final whistle.
England’s midfield looked particularly disorganised, with Denmark out passing them. Christian Eriksen’s masterful control exposed the deficiencies in England’s central partnership of Declan Rice and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Jude Bellingham, usually influential, struggled to make an impact. The experiment of using Alexander-Arnold in midfield seemed to fail, with the player substituted after 53 minutes.
Is the time for experimentation over? #BBCEuros #Euro2024 #DENENG pic.twitter.com/B8jNMFt3mv
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 20, 2024
Southgate’s substitution of Harry Kane after 69 minutes, with England still seeking a winner, was surprising. Phil Foden, England’s most threatening player, was also replaced. These reshuffles highlighted England’s tactical disarray. Despite remaining top of Group C, England’s performance was far from the standard required to make a serious impact at Euro 2024. The upcoming match against Slovenia will be crucial for Southgate’s men to regain their form and confidence.
| Team Standings | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | P | W | D | L | Goals | PTS |
| England | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2:1 | 4 |
| Denmark | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2:2 | 2 |
| Slovenia | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2:2 | 2 |
| Serbia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1:2 | 1 |
Scotland’s draw against Switzerland marked their first Euros game in which they took points despite conceding. Scott McTominay’s goals under Steve Clarke have been pivotal, while Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri continued his streak of scoring in major tournaments. England’s draw against Denmark exposed their vulnerabilities, with key players struggling to make an impact. As both teams prepare for their final group-stage matches, the stakes remain high in Euro 2024.
Scotland takes on Hungary on Sunday night (8 pm) in their final group game of Euro 2024. England are in action on Tuesday night (8 pm) and play Slovenia.
