Scotland v England: Build up to Euro 2020 Match

The big Euro 2020 match, Scotland v England, kicks off at Wembley Stadium tonight at 20.00. Scotland fans are enjoying an “amazing atmosphere” in London ahead of the two Group D teams meeting.

There is no official fan zone, and tickets for the game are limited due to Covid restrictions. But despite warnings they should not travel unless having somewhere to watch the match, a lot of fans started coming down to London on Thursday.

Meanwhile, a dispersal order is in place in central London. This gives police extra powers to break up groups they believe are behaving in a way that causes a nuisance, distress or harassment.

This is the first major football tournament for Scotland since the 1998 World Cup in France. And the side have never made it out of the group stages before. Scotland suffered a 2-0 defeat on Monday in their first game against the Czech Republic. Their last group match is against Croatia on Tuesday at Hampden.

‘An amazing atmosphere’

Scottish fans describe an “amazing atmosphere” in London, that feels just “like a normal football occasion”. Everyone is happy to be able to enjoy an event again after so long. Although it is slightly worrying it doesn’t feel like there is a pandemic going on, if people are not following the Covid regulations.

On Thursday, the trains were packed with crowds of Scotland fans coming together and chanting outside King’s Cross station. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan pleaded for fans to stay away, but may have underestimated just how many would come. But some of them had travel and accommodation booked for several months. As it was non-refundable, they did not want to lose so much money. One fan claimed they stood to lose out on a total of £600 if they did not travel.

Many fans are expected to gather at Hyde Park as their usual location of Trafalgar Square is reserved as a fan zone for key workers.

Trains heading to London were busy over the last couple of days, with many travelling to the game. However, Network Rail say those coming from Glasgow Central on Friday morning were quieter than the day before.

Control measures

All train passengers must book their ticket in advance and have a seat reservation. A queueing system is also in place on match day for football fans in London and those going to the game between Czech Republic and Croatia at Hampden.

Control measures need putting in place to manage things as carefully as possible. It is concerning to see so many football fans gathering together, especially given the Covid situation in the country and the spread of the Delta variant. But it is inevitable that it will happen, as thousands of fans from cross the UK will travel to London for the games. It will happen whether we like it or not, but we just need to make sure it is as safe as it can be.

However, the Tartan Army are praised for their “good-natured atmosphere” throughout the city so far. It is a shame that things are not happening in normal times to enable them to properly enjoy the occasion.

Wembley and Hampden are among 11 venues across Europe hosting the Euro 2020 matches. Wembley are allowing a 25% capacity for the game, and supporters will either need proof of vaccination or a negative test to gain entry. London pubs and bars are also expected to limit the numbers of people they let in.

Thank you for reading Scotland v England: Build up to Euro 2020 Match

---