ENGLAND dropped their first points of their EURO 2024 qualifying campaign against Ukraine.
A first half goal from Oleksandr Zinchenko was cut out by Kyle Walker’s first ever England goal in his 77th game.
Gareth Southgate’s side had won four on the bounce before the clash at Stadion Miejski in Wroclaw, Poland, but could only muster a 1-1 draw.
It leaves the Three Lions on 13 points from five games with a commanding grip on the group.
But fans were left disappointed with the quality of Channel 4’s broadcast after it cut to black in middle of the first half.
Here is how SunSport rated the Three Lions performance.
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Jordan Pickford – 6
Dived the wrong way for Ukraine’s goal although there was not really much he could do about it. Had little else to do.
Kyle Walker – 8
England’s best player at both ends of the pitch. He had waited 12 years for this moment, since his debut against Spain, but on his 78th appearance, grabbed his first goal for England.
It was also a decent finish while some of his defending, while using his pace, was decent.
Marc Guehi – 7
Only his fifth senior cap but delivered an extremely promising performance. Definitely one for the future.
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Read the game well, delivered some decent blocks and was confident on the ball. He is one of the players who is now breathing down the neck of Maguire.
Harry Maguire – 6
Looked rusty and little wonder as he has barely played for Manchester United.
It is a situation which simply cannot continue. Playing on the right instead of the left of central defence, he will be disappointed with the Ukraine goal although it was not all his fault. Held firm when Ukraine did surge forward.
Ben Chilwell – 5
With Luke Shaw injured, this was a chance for Chilwell to put forward his case for the Euros in Germany.
He was given licence to surge forward down the left but got caught out for the goal as he failed to block the cross. Will be disappointed with his performance.
Jude Bellingham – 5
He has already enjoyed some good nights for England but this was definitely not one of them.
There were too many mistakes from Bellingham who, at times, was trying a bit too hard. It was no surprise when Foden came on in his place.
Declan Rice – 6
Enjoying a good start at Arsenal and this was a measured performance although like Henderson, could have done better in getting into the home area for Ukraine’s goal. Yet continues to be a key player for Southgate.
Jordan Henderson – 6
Failed to get into the area quick enough for Ukraine’s goal and then wasted a good chance soon after when being put through by Kane.
Many fans will have been angry that Henderson was kept on but with 78 caps to his name, his experience with a game delicately poised was invaluable.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Fresh from picking up another England player of the year award, Baka was not great in the first half but improved considerably in the second half.
Also, unlucky to see a terrific shot tipped onto the bar by keeper Buschan.
Harry Kane – 7
Bang on form for Bayern Munich, did not enjoy much service from the England midfield.
Showed his class with a terrific pass from the edge of the centre circle towards Walker who got the first. Hobbled a bit after taking a knock.
James Maddison – 5
An opportunity missed for Maddison following his sensational form for Spurs.
This was only his fourth England appearance and while he saw plenty of the ball, did not do enough with it. Could have no complaints over being replaced.
Subs:
Marcus Rashford (for Bellingham 65 mins) – 6
Had a free-kick well saved.
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Phil Foden (for Maddison 66 mins) – 6
Caused Ukraine a few problems and will surely start against Scotland.
Conor Gallagher (for Saka 86) – 5
Barely touched the ball.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
