England held to draw by Hungary in WC qualifiers

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England’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers hit an unexpected stumbling block when they were held to a draw by Hungary in a qualifier Gareth Southgate called a “big disappointment”.

The game was marred by crowd violence between Hungary fans and stewards and police.

Southgate’s side are still in pole position to reach Qatar but this was a disjointed display despite England taking on the Hungarians with an attacking line-up.

The early stages at Wembley were overshadowed by ugly scenes involving Hungary fans, who jeered England’s players while holding up a banner protesting against taking the knee before clashing with police and stewards.

In a subdued atmosphere and after a semblance of order had been restored, Hungary took the lead in the 24th minute when Luke Shaw was penalised for a high challenge on Loic Nego and Roland Sallai sent Jordan Pickford the wrong way from the spot.

England were level before half-time, John Stones turning in at the far post after Tyrone Mings and Declan Rice touched on Phil Foden’s free-kick.

Hungary then survived in relative comfort, Harry Kane’s struggles for form summed up when England’s captain was substituted even though they were searching desperately for a winner.

“I don’t think we played at the level we have done and Hungary defended very well. We didn’t do enough to win the game,” Southgate said.

“I don’t know if subconsciously we thought this was going to be an easier game because we beat them comfortably [4-0] in September but they’ve been very good defensively right through the summer.

“In the first few minutes we were taking heavy touches and colliding into tackles. We didn’t show the composure and quality that we have done generally.”