IT was the perfect night for England as they opened their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a monumental win over Italy – and captain Harry Kane wrote his name in the history books.
Kane’s calmness from the penalty spot earned England all three points against the Italians.
And it also saw the skipper become the Three Lions’ all-time top goal scorer having leapfrogged Wayne Rooney in the charts.
However, Luke Shaw’s two yellow cards in 54 seconds was a slight blemish on an iconic win in Naples
Gareth Southgate will be confident that his side is still more than capable of beating upcoming opponents, Ukraine.
However Ruslan Rotan’s side are on a good run of form having lost just one of their last six matches.
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They have players with a lot of Premier League know-how too, including £97million Chelsea star Mykhalo Mudyrk.
Ukraine are captained by Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, who may be one of the few players in world football capable of keeping his team-mate Bukayo Saka quiet.
Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko provides Prem experience on Ukraine’s other flank, and he will need to be at his best to stop the likes of Kane, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.
This will be their first match in England since the Russian invasion last year and 1,000 refugees have been given free tickets.
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An estimated 3,000 more Ukrainians will pack out the away end at Wembley and Rotan is keen for his players’ performance to offer hope to those suffering back home.
How are Ukraine getting on?
Ukraine have lost just one match since their World Cup play-off defeat to Wales last June.
However that came against Scotland in a 3-0 scoreline, while Ukraine have beat Armenia twice and the Republic of Ireland since missing out on Qatar.
They have not played since September when they drew 0-0 with Scotland so there could be some rustiness to shake off.
What is the team news?
Gareth Southgate will be without Luke Shaw as the full-back is set to serve a suspension following his red card against Italy.
And the England manager could be forced to give young talisman Jude Bellingham a rest after he limped off the field late on with a suspected knee injury.
Elsewhere, Ukraine are set to be without Bournemouth centre-back Ilya Zabamyi and Oleksandr Zubkov.
However, Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is all set to start at Wembley, while Mykhaylo Mudryk will likely be deployed in attack.
Star men
Mudryk provides electric speed in attack so Ben Chilwell or Kieran Trippier will need to be on their toes if they are picked to replace the suspended Shaw.
Kane will be the dangerman for England and will be full of confidence after becoming record goalscorer.
What have the managers said?
Rotan said: “This is a match not only of players and coaches, but a match of the whole country.
“I want to thank the people of Great Britain for supporting us in the war our country is waging against the enemy. Everyone’s support is very important to us.
“We are very grateful to you for her. I believe this is also a match for our warriors. What is happening in Ukraine now is very scary.
“We must be motivated to please them both with the game and the result, to give emotions that our people lack now.
“Our boys who play in the Premier League are very emotional people who always support the country in all directions.
“They are highly motivated, they are the leaders of the national team, an example for our young guys, for all people and athletes who take only the best from them. We should have more such players.”
Southgate sent his side a warning after beating Italy, saying: “We have to go and get a result at Wembley now because this will be a fantastic result if we win and that’s exactly what we’ve said to the players straight after the game.
“Then Monday they can head off wherever they want but it is going to be hard because Ukraine have had no competitive game [on Thursday].
“If we can play as we did in the first half, then I am sure the fans will enjoy that but we are going to be playing against a very good team and we’ve got to get that right.”
SunSport prediction
England 3 Ukraine 0
When is England vs Ukraine?
- England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine will take place on Sunday, March 26.
- It is scheduled to kick-off at 5pm UK time.
- Wembley Stadium in London is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host a staggering 90,000 spectators.
- The Three Lions humiliated Ukraine when the sides last met in the 2020 Euros quarter-final.
What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- England vs Ukraine will be broadcast LIVE on Channel 4 in the UK.
- Coverage is set to commence from 4pm UK time – one hour before kick-off.
- Fans can stream the entire action on the Channel 4 website or All 4 app.
- Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of whole encounter.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes!
England’s second Euro 2024 qualifier is FREE to watch in the UK for viewers who have a valid TV license.
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What is the odds?
- England to win 2/7
- Draw 17/4
- Ukraine 11/1
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
