Stand: 2:43 p.m.
Because of the Delta variant – German fans should not travel to London for the final
In London’s Wembley Stadium, 40,000 spectators will attend the European Championship final – although the Delta variant is spreading in Great Britain and infections are increasing. German fans have to be prepared for two weeks of quarantine when they return.
At Wembley, Scotland and England will meet in the second group game. The Scottish fans come to London in large numbers. 30,000 want to support their team. This is a headache in London.
Sthey are everywhere. In the subways, in the squares, in the streets and in fountains of London. 30,000 partying Scots are said to have washed into the English capital. And they are thirsty and in the mood for football.
On Friday (9 p.m. / ZDF and Magenta TV) England and Scotland will play against each other in the second group game. There is hardly a duel in the world with a greater tradition. The two nations met for the first time in Glasgow in 1872, and it was also the first official international match in football history. At that time, the two teams separated 0-0, a draw this Friday would be a real surprise.
The already controversial duel between the arch-rivals, also known as the “Battle of Britain”, is also politically charged before kick-off. It’s about the European Championship round of 16 or perhaps the end of all tournament dreams and a knee-fall that is sometimes heatedly discussed by fans and politicians. In addition, there has been a dispute between the two countries over Brexit and Scottish independence that has been smoldering for years. And yet: The up to 22,500 spectators in London’s glorious arena should celebrate another big and beefy European Championship party at the oldest international match in football history.
The England versus Scotland game is the most traditional duel in football
Source: SOPA Images / LightRocket via Gett
After their sovereign 1-0 win against Croatia, the English are the clear favorites and with title ambitions in the game against their neighbors, who are under a lot of pressure after their 2-0 defeat against the Czech Republic. There is still a challenge to the “Auld Enemy”. “We’re coming to take three points,” said midfielder John McGinn.
“It is important not to come to the stadium”
After London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, the FA has now also warned against traveling to the capital without a ticket out of concern about the spread of the corona virus. “It is important not to come to the stadium unless you have a ticket to the game,” the statement said.
Apparently, the words didn’t stop the Scottish fans. Much more has come to London than there are total available places at Wembley. Some supporters of the Tartan Army will still be in the stadium. And they will cheer on their team.
Despite all the warnings, thousands of Scots came to London
Quelle: Getty Images/Rob Pinney
When the Scots were able to defeat their arch-rivals at Wembley in 1977, numerous fans stormed the lawn for joy. That will certainly not happen this time due to the high security precautions.
Scots go on their knees in solidarity
The starting point is clear: The Three Lions can, the Bravehearts have to. With another success, England could plan for the round of 16, the Scots want to prevent that with all their might. Despite all the rivalry, both teams will stick together for a few seconds at least before kick-off. Anyway, the English go to the ground with one knee before each of their European Championship games to protest against racism and discrimination.
On Friday the Scots will go with them out of solidarity. But the kneeling does not please everyone: Some spectators at Wembley Stadium are likely to boo the gesture again, most of them will clap.
“Please respect the players when they kneel down”, England’s FA appealed again in a specially prepared statement on Thursday. In addition, you called on your own fans to respect the national anthem of the opponent.
The roll call shows how charged the mood around the game is. For days, some high-ranking politicians have been debating controversially on the island about the kneeling that England’s players want to go through throughout the tournament despite everything. The fact that Scotland’s players are now also taking part on the big football stage will therefore certainly not please everyone.
.
