Tens of thousands of Scotland fans defied police, politicians and even the torrential rain to gather in the capital before of tonight’s fixture as minor scuffles broke out between rival fans.
The biggest match between England and Scotland in 25 years has 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 turn sour later on in the night, with no nearby fan zones open to the public for the match.
Nicola Sturgeon moved to ease tensions, urging those arriving in the capital to stop “racist” chanting after fans repeatedly sang anti-English songs.
07:15 PM
Two assault arrests made in Leicester Square
Two arrests were made this afternoon as fans in Leicester Square were detained on suspicion of common assault, according to Westminster Police.
"There are currently several thousand football fans in the Leicester Sq area and this is being closely monitored," a spokesman for the force said.
"Two arrests have been made for common assault. In light of Covid restrictions, we would advise individuals not to attend the area unless absolutely necessary.
"We wish to reassure you that a full policing plan is in place to cover the football fixture between England and Scotland today."
A sense of the overall atmosphere in the Square can be seen in the video below:
Both sides take the knee as England vs Scotland kicks off
Just before kick-off, Scotland broke with their policy throughout the tournament in order to join the England squad in taking the knee.
Booing from some sections of the stadium was drowned out, by and large, by cheers and applause as the players undertook the gesture.
07:01 PM
Scottish national anthem booed by England fans
Booing rings around Wembley Stadium throughout the duration of Flower of Scotland as it is sung by Scottish players and coaching staff.
It is followed by a livelier rendition of God Save The Queen, which finds the Wembley crowd in fine voice.
Out of the 22,500 England fans in attendance tonight, one has taken a novel approach to guidance around face coverings:
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 18: An England fan wearing a large Harry Maguire face mask show their support prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium on June 18, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Andy Rain - Pool/Getty Images) - Andy Rain/Pool/Getty Images
Kick-off in Scotland and England's second game of the tournament - and their first major meeting in a quarter of a century - is just minutes away.
Police 'moving on to minority of idiots' in London
Police officers have a dispersal order in central London - and appear to be using it already, Tom Morgan reports:
Police now moving on the minority of idiots. A couple of groups of Scottish fans ran into restaurants and locked doors, saying chairs and bottles were being launched at them. They blame “England casuals”. Officers have dispersal order for the area - and appear to be using it pic.twitter.com/bB0f20T19C
That's the capacity of Wembley Stadium tonight, equivalent to just 22,500 fans.
Supporters will be required to show proof of either vaccination or a negative coronavirus test.
An England fan arrives prior to the UEFA EURO 2020 Group D football match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium in London on June 18, 2021. (Photo by Carl Recine / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CARL RECINE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) - Carl Recine/AFP
For the semi-finals and the final, which are both being held at Wembley and will take place on July 6, 7 and 11, crowds of 45,000 are expected to be permitted.
It comes amid fears that the final could be moved away from Wembley to Hungary unless 2,500 Uefa and Fifa officials and political figures are allowed into the UK and exempted from quarantine rules.
06:18 PM
England fans tackled by police in Leicester Square
A police officer has tackled a group of England fans in Leicester Square as they attempted to run towards the Scotland supporters who have gathered there ahead of the fixture.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 18: A policeman tackles a group of England fans as they attempt to run towards Scotland fans gathered in Leicester Square on June 18, 2021 in London, England. England v Scotland is not only the oldest fixture in the world, they have also played one another more than any other two international teams. Their first encounter was played in 1872 at Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow and their 115th match today at Wembley for Euro 2020. (Photo by Rob Pinney/Getty Images) - Rob Pinney/Getty Images
Supporters have been singing and dancing in the streets ahead of the 115th international football match between England and Scotland.
The last time the two sides ran out, a stellar strike from Paul Gascoigne sealed a 2-0 win.
06:09 PM
The scene from Leicester Square
The Tartan Army gather in Leicester Square ahead of tonights England V Scotland UEFA EURO 2020 game. - Geoff Pugh It is the first major game between England and Scotland in 25 years - Kieran Cleeves/PA Wire Many fans have lit flares and are joining in the celebrations - Geoff Pugh
05:54 PM
Community spirit
Scotland fans have cleaned up litter at Leicester Square with just over an hour to go until kick-off.
Scotland fans clean up litter in Leicester Square, London, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 Group D match between England and Scotland. Picture date: Friday June 18, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER England. Photo credit should read: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire. - Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire
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.
05:38 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.
England fans are arriving at Wembley ahead of tonight's group stage game - Aaron Chown/PA Wire
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.
Scottish fans have congregated in Leicester Square despite calls for them to stay away - Jeff Gilbert
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.
Mood turned briefly in area around Drury Lane, with marauding groups spoiling for fights. Scottish fan in his 50s left bloodied after clash pic.twitter.com/p15XlcF1Aa
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