Scotland and England share spoils after dramatic finish
Scotland prevented England from extending their lead at the top of World Cup Qualifying Group F by holding them to a 2-2 draw at Hampden Park.
Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain found the net midway through the second half, just five minutes after coming on, when his drive was palmed by Craig Gordon into his own net.
England looked to be heading for all three points until Celtic’s Leigh Griffiths ended his run of 12 Scotland appearances without a goal from a 30-yard free-kick. Three minutes later, Griffiths repeated his feat, arrowing another free-kick into the opposite corner of Joe Hart’s goal.
With England heading to their first qualifying loss in 34 outings, Raheem Sterling’s cross was volleyed in by Harry Kane in injury time, salvaging a point for Gareth Southgate’s men.
The first half consisted of very few chances, bar Kane’s miscued attempt to get on the end of a cut-back by Adam Lallana, and lack of match sharpness was apparent. Scotland’s tireless pressing was preventing England from creating any chances and the hosts looked the more comfortable of the two sides going into the break.
Moments into the second half, Jake Livermore’s deflected shot was denied by the post and Dele Alli and Eric Dier’s efforts from the rebound were both blocked by a sturdy Scotland defence. Lallana later bulleted a free header wide of the goal, with England continuing to lack energy in attacking areas.
England had the chance to extend their lead at the top of the qualifying group, with second-placed Slovakia set to play Lithuania in a later kick-off, but failed to do so and could see the gap cut to just two points by the end of Saturday.
Scotland, meanwhile, kept themselves in contention with the well-earned point. Gordan Strachan’s side are three points now three points behind Slovenia, who beat Malta 2-0, with four qualifying games remaining.