Tartan Army takes over London as Nicola Sturgeon warns fans 'not to be racist' - latest news

• England vs Scotland, live Euro 2020 score

Tens of thousands of Scotland fans have defied police, politicians and even the torrential rain to gather in the capital ahead of tonight’s fixture as minor scuffles broke out between rival fans.

The biggest match between England and Scotland in 25 years prompted a Tartan Army takeover around Leicester Square after fans were forced to abandon muddy scenes in Hyde Park.

With just two early arrests after fans arrived on packed trains and planes to drink all night, there was little sign of heightened tensions with English supporters who were also congregating in their droves.

The mood turned in Covent Garden at around 6pm as marauding groups of fans went looking for fights, with one Scottish fan left bloodied after a clash with rival supporters.

Scotland Yard and political leaders renewed appeals for calm amid fears the mood could yet turn sour as hordes look set to be locked out of pubs, with no nearby fan zones open to the public for the match.

Nicola Sturgeon had moved to ease tensions, urging those arriving in the capital to stop “racist” chanting after fans repeatedly sang anti-English songs.

05:54 PM

Community spirit

Scotland fans have cleaned up litter at Leicester Square with just over an hour to go until kick-off.

Fans are making their own entertainment in the Square, after thousands travelled down overnight despite warnings from Nicola Sturgeon to obey travel guidance designed to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

05:47 PM

Tonight's team news

Here is how the England and Scotland sides will line up tonight. There are two changes for England as Reece James and Luke Shaw start.

Scotland have made four changes to their starting XI, with Kieran Tierney, Billy Gilmour, Callum McGregor and Che Adams starting.

05:38 PM

Here they go! Ticketholders arrive at Wembley amid party atmosphere in Leicester Square

England fans have started to arrive at Wembley Stadium ahead of tonight's fixture, in which Gareth Southgate's squad hope to capitalise on their strong showing in their 1-0 victory over Croatia on Sunday.

22,000 ticketholders will be in attendance - but a lack of tickets has not stopped Scottish fans from descending on London in their tens of thousands.

Flares have been lit and fans are in high spirits in Leicester Square, determined to show their support despite warnings from Sadiq Khan and Nicola Sturgeon to stay away and comply with Covid travel restrictions.

05:27 PM

Mood turns in Covent Garden as 'marauding' fans clash

The mood turned briefly in the area around Drury Lane near Covent Garden at around 6pm, writes Tom Morgan, with marauding groups spoiling for fights.

A Scottish fan in his 50s was left bloodied after a clash between rival groups.