2020 European Championship finalists England were held to a shock draw by Hungary at the Wembley Stadium. England’s slip-up allowed Poland, who beat Albania by a goal to nil, to make up ground to the group leaders.
England dominated proceedings early on, and a sweeping move nearly resulted in the opening goal. Left-back Luke Shaw played a give-and-go with winger Jack Grealish before curling in a dangerous cross for Harry Kane arriving at the back post. The Tottenham forward failed to make a connection with the cross – even at full stretch – and the ball was cleared away safely.
Hungary were awarded a penalty out of nothing in the 22nd minute. Luke Shaw’s foot was adjudged to be too high as he and Loic Nego went for the ball. Roland Sallai scored from the spot with a low, fierce strike into the left corner, with Jordan Pickford diving the wrong way.
England were level in the 37th minute through John Stones. The Manchester City defender scored at the back post from a Declan Rice flick-on following a free-kick.
Hungary custodian Peter Gulasci was in top form and denied Raheem Sterling on two separate occasions on either side of the break. Kane and Stones also went close with their efforts in the second period, but they, too, were unable to break the deadlock.
From Group F, Euro semi-finalists Denmark qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in style. The Danes won their eighth straight game, keeping an eighth straight clean sheet, to join Germany in the Finals.
Wing-back Joakim Maehle scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Austria in the 53rd minute, continuing his great form for the national team. Meanwhile, Scotland beat the Faroe Islands (1-0), winning their fourth straight game and strengthening their hold on the second spot.
