SAINTS striker Che Adams played 85 minutes on his first start in international tournament football, helping Scotland to an impressive draw with England.

The striker was heavily involved during the 0-0 stalemate, particularly during the first half, but could not convert with any of his three decent chances on the night.

Born in Leicester and having come through the non-league scene, Adams declared his national allegiance to Scotland earlier this year, qualifying through a maternal grandparent.

The 24-year-old impressed when coming off the bench during Monday’s defeat to Czech Republic in Glasgow, which earned him a start at Wembley.

And it was Adams who had the first big chance of the contest.

Having made himself a nuisance from the off, the ball fell kindly for the frontman in just the fifth minute. Motherwell wing-back Stephen O’Donnell broke down the right and cut the ball back for Adams, who had found space in the box. The Saints striker aimed goalwards, but the big chance was wasted as John Stones made a block.

England then looked set to take the lead as Stones leapt high at the other end and headed a Mason Mount corner against the post.

Adams soon overhit a pass at the other end as he looked to set strike partner Lyndon Dykes away.

England were dominating possession during the pulsating half, but they had goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to thank for keeping the scores level. Excellent work from Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney saw the defender cross to O’Donnell at the back post, whose volley was brilliantly saved down low by Pickford. The rebound came out towards the head of Adams, but on the stretch he nodded wide.

The Saints striker racked up his third shot of the half in the closing stages, with his effort from outside the box deflected wide.

England flew out of the traps after the restart with Mount stinging the palms of goalkeeper David Marshall.

Reece James then fired over from the edge of the box as the hosts ramped up the pressure.

Scotland were almost gifted a chance themselves after a slip from Tyrone Mings. Dykes nipped in before the ball came for Adams in the box. The striker could not quite get the ball out of his feet and although he got a shot away, teeing up Dykes may have been the smarter option.

QPR frontman Dykes did get the chance himself just past the hour mark. After a corner was not properly cleared, the forward headed towards goal, but James was on hand to head off the line.

With 15 minutes to play, Steve Clarke introduced Adams’s Saints team-mate Stuart Armstrong into the midfield.

His lively presence sparked a Scotland attack, with a cross from Andy Robertson finding Adams at the back post, but he sliced wide his chance from a tight angle.

That proved to be the final meaningful action of the night for Adams, who ran himself into the ground before being replaced by Kevin Nisbet with five minutes to play.

England pressed for a stoppage-time winner, but Scotland held out to take the point.

The result leaves England second in Group D on four points, which should be enough for qualification for the last 16, while Scotland can still progress if they beat Croatia in their final match.