Euro 2020 in pictures: Scotland fans descend on London ahead of crunch match with England

PA

Euro 2020 braces for one of the most eagerly-anticipated fixtures of the group stage on Friday as England take on Scotland at Wembley Stadium.

The game inevitably conjures fond memories for England fans of Euro 96, Uri Geller and Paul Gascoigne’s wonder goal, for which he lofted the ball over Colin Hendry, hammered it past Andy Goram and celebrated by inviting his teammate’s to send up his own “dentist’s chair” boozing exploits as “Three Lions” rang out.

But that golden summer day was a quarter of a century ago and Scotland are out for revenge at this year’s tournament, their side very impressive in qualifying and boasting such fine players as Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney and John McGinn.

While England won their opener against Croatia 1-0 thanks to a Raheem Sterling strike, Scotland lost out 2-0 to the Czech Republic at Hampden Park, helpless against Patrik Schick’s stunning second half lob from the halfway line.

They need to get something at a rain-lashed Wembley and their supporters believe they can.

The Scottish fans have been congregating in central London since Thursday and have been in fine voice, Steve Clarke’s be-kilted Tartan Army taking over Hyde Park and gathering in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus to belt out Baccara’s 1970s disco hit “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” at the top of their lungs.

Here are some of the very best pictures of the revellers ahead of kickoff.

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square (PA)

Peaked too soon? One fan was pictured rolling around in the mud. (PA)

England fans arrive at Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 Group D match between England and Scotland (PA)

The weather didn’t stop fans leaping into London fountains. (PA)

Some of the capital’s fountains were filled with bubbles by fans. (PA)

Some fans lit flares as the pre match party descended upon Leicester Square. (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Scotland later tonight (PA)

The party is well underway in central London ahead of kick-off at 7pm. (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Scotland later tonight. (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Scotland later tonight (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Scotland later tonight. (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Scotland later tonight (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Kensington before England vs Scotland match at Euro 2020 (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Kensington before England vs Scotland match at Euro 2020 (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Kensington before England vs Scotland match at Euro 2020 (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before England vs Scotland match at Euro 2020 (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before England vs Scotland match at Euro 2020 (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before England vs Scotland match at Euro 2020 (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before England vs Scotland match at Euro 2020 (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before England vs Scotland match at Euro 2020 (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before England vs Scotland match at Euro 2020 (PA)

Scotland fans gather in Leicester Square before England vs Scotland match at Euro 2020 (PA)