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      Not even Scotland’s best player would make it into England’s XI.. yet, worryingly, Steve Clarke’s men are actually good

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      IF you wanted to compile a combined XI from the England and Scotland teams, you would almost certainly come up with the England team.Not even the Scot who is joint-highest scorer in the entire Euros qualifying campaign — Manchester United outcast Scott McTominay — would make Gareth Southgate’s starting XI.
      Scott McTominay will provide Scotland’s biggest threat against EnglandCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Steve Clarke will be desperate to defeat the Three Lions at HampdenCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      And yet here are Steve Clarke’s Scots, top of their qualifying group with a 100 per cent record, and in a higher Nations League tier than the England side they face at Hampden tonight.
      After a 2-0 victory over Spain in March — in which McTominay scored both goals — Manchester City’s Rodri accused the Scots of playing anti-football in a glorious display of rotten grapery.
      But here we are in Glasgow for the renewal of hostilities in a fixture which is celebrating its 150th anniversary and, for those of us in Southgate’s generation, represents the great rivalry of our youth.
      And, worryingly, Scotland are actually good — Clarke’s side are greater than the sum of their parts and McTominay, playing in an advanced midfield role, is somehow a fearsome goalscorer.
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      The English and the Scots don’t like each other much. They think we possess an innate superiority complex — a jingoistic nation of self-important tub-thumpers.
      And we think they are a bunch of savages who eat sheep’s innards for breakfast, deep-fried chocolate for tea and believe the noise which comes out of bagpipes equates to actual music.
      We also know they will always bottle it in major tournament group stages, as well as independence referendums.
      And we can say these things because we’re all British and, therefore, bound by a common love of taking the pish.
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      On Sunday’s flight home from Poland, a bunch of journalists and England fans were in full agreement the atmosphere on the Three Lions’ last visit to Hampden in 2017 was one of the most frenzied we’d ever experienced.
      England fell 2-1 behind to two Leigh Griffiths free-kicks, before Harry Kane poked an injury-time equaliser in his first game as captain to keep Southgate’s side on course for the Russia World Cup.
      Fuelled by old Proclaimers tunes and an extraordinary mass rendition of an offensive Jimmy Savile song, the locals had been in a euphoric mood before Kane’s late intervention, which was a turning point in Southgate’s reign.
      Tonight is billed as a ‘friendly’ yet, unlike most international friendlies, it is anything but meaningless. We all have our memories of these, once-annual, clashes.
      A teenage Clarke was one of around 8,000 Scots who beat a ban on his countrymen from the 1981 fixture at Wembley, because a relative who was a Met Police officer got him a ticket.
      “John Robertson scored a penalty,” the Scotland boss recalled. “We won 1-0. I was behind the goal, going mental. And we were world champions when we beat them in 1967, weren’t we?”
      I’ve just walked past a framed image in a Hampden corridor glorifying the Tartan Army wrecking the Wembley goalposts after a 2-1 Home Championship win in 1977.
      Strangely, there is no such photo here of my favourite memory — Paul Gascoigne kippering Colin Hendry, volleying past Andy Goram and re-enacting his dentist-chair heroics at Euro 96.
      The Scots qualified for the last Euros and ballsed it up by losing home matches against the Czech Republic and Croatia, either side of a goalless Wembley draw with England.
      After that match, Scotland’s Stephen O’Donnell revealed he had kept Jack Grealish subdued by telling him, ‘I love your calves’ and asking, ‘How do you get your hair looking like that?’
      Paul Gascoigne scored one of England’s greatest-ever goals against Scotland at Euro 96Credit: Getty
      It was entirely in keeping with the grand traditions of this rivalry. The idea of an English fancy Dan being brought down a peg or two.
      Scotland will qualify for next summer’s Euros finals if Norway and Georgia draw tonight. But after Friday’s 3-0 win in Cyprus virtually secured their place, Aston Villa’s John McGinn declared, ‘Only our wee country could mess it up from here’.
      And they love the ‘wee nation’ routine, the Scots. Even though they have a larger population than two-time world champions Uruguay.
      They will be playing that card tonight against the big brother from south of the border. But as Clarke, who lives in England, rightly says: “Don’t believe the English don’t want to beat us as much as we want to beat them.”
      HAPPY HARRY
      HARRY KANE may have been ‘one of our own’ at Spurs but he hadn’t truly belonged at his boyhood club for several years — because he was simply too good.
      Kane’s media duties with England over the past week suggest he is more comfortable in his own skin than ever before, following his move to Bayern Munich.
      There were even a few casual, honest put-downs of Tottenham’s lack of expectations, compared to the mighty Bavarians.
      Kane moving abroad used to feel like an unlikely scenario but now it seems absolutely perfect.
      HANS OFF
      IT’S extraordinary that no manager of Germany had ever been sacked before Hansi Flick was axed after Saturday’s 4-1 home drubbing by Japan.
      The Germans have won four World Cups and three European Championships.
      It is almost as if patience with a manager can be a virtue.
      Germany sacked Hansi Flick on Sunday after they were thrashed by JapanCredit: Getty
      FRED A BIG HIT
      NOT knowing his own strength and fuelled by lager, Andrew Flintoff once knocked me off of a barstool in a Calcutta hotel with what was supposed to have been a playful slap on the back.
      Earlier that evening, 21 years ago, Freddie had clean bowled Sachin Tendulkar in front of 100,000 people at Eden Gardens.
      He was one of the most authentic and charismatic sports people I had ever come across.
      After the horrific accident that ended his time presenting Top Gear, it is wonderful to see the great all-rounder back around the England camp.
      English cricket will benefit from Flintoff just as Flintoff will surely benefit from being back in cricket.
      OUTSIDE JOB
      ENGLAND’S 14 rugby men pulled off a brilliant result beating Argentina on Saturday.
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      Expectations were low and they were underdogs before Tom Curry’s early red card.
      Outsider status suited them — so did Ellis Genge really have to then utter the words ‘we believe we can win the cup’? More

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      Wales fans rage at VAR as Latvia ace avoids red for ‘disgusting’ lunge as Aaron Ramsey helps clinch crunch Euro 2024 win

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      WALES fans were left raging after Janis Ikaunieks escaped a “definite red” after a disgusting challenge on Jordan James – even after a VAR check.The Welsh secured a 2-0 win in Latvia in their crunch Euro 2024 qualifier thanks to Aaron Ramsey’s first half penalty and a late David Brooks strike.
      Aaron Ramsey helped fire Wales to a crucial win in LatviaCredit: AP
      Welsh players were fuming over a challenge on Jordan JamesCredit: Reuters
      The referee deemed it only worthy of a yellow card despite a VAR checkCredit: AP
      The main talking point came midway through the second period when the 19-year-old Birmingham City midfielder knocked the ball past his Latvian rival just inside his own half.
      But despite him having no chance of winning possession, Ikaunieks nastily lunged for the ball but instead kicked the Welsh ace directly on the kneecap, leaving him writhing in agony.
      The Wales team were fuming and instantly protested with the referee as he only gave the Latvian a yellow card.
      VAR then ordered the official to check out the pitchside monitor for a possible red card for the cynical hack.
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      However, Ikaunieks ended up unbelievably staying on the field after the referee decided that his original decision would stand – leaving fans and pundits alike in disbelief.
      “One of the most blatant red cards you will ever see,” tweeted one.
      Another asked: “How has the ref not given a red for that?”
      A fellow supported said: “Player gets booted in the knee well after the ball has gone, no red card after looking at the replay for an age. Disgraceful refereeing.”
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      Ex-Wales striker Ian Walsh told BBC Radio Wales: “That is an absolute joke.
      “You talk about standards, and all the intricate rules in football now that you can and you can’t do.
      “Something as obvious as that and you’re not off the pitch. That is a disgrace.”
      And fellow former Welsh frontman Nathan Blake agreed, telling BBC Radio Wales: “I can’t believe it. That is a disgraceful decision.”
      Meanwhile, Ramsey completed a century of career goals to keep Wales’ slim hopes of reaching Euro 2024 alive.
      But the big question is will Rob Page still be in charge when their bid to reach Germany resumes next month?
      Talk of the building pressure following the disastrous back to back defeats in June dominated the build up to this game.
      And a narrow win over the group minnows – thanks to the captain’s first half spot-kick and an injury time second from sub Brooks – may not be enough to save him.
      Croatia’s win in Armenia earlier in the day coupled with three points in Riga means Wales are still fighting – although they have little margin for error in the autumn.
      This was a game they simply had to win – and after just one victory in their last 13 games nothing could be taken for granted.
      Yet they could have been ahead inside the first couple of minutes as Spurs new boy Brennan Johnson was sent clear by Ethan Ampadu but blasted his effort over the angle.
      Ampadu himself nodded a chance over while Ben Davies saw a header tipped over by Roberts Ozols in the Latvia goal.
      The result might still not be enough to save Rob Page’s jobCredit: EPA
      The Dragons were looking confident and they got the goal they deserved when Kaspars Dubra needlessly barged over Harry Wilson.
      It was a clear penalty and skipper Ramsey was cool from the spot as he sent Ozols the wrong way for his 21st international goal.
      Neco Williams and Johnson both fluffed opportunities to extend the lead and Wales were almost punished for their wastefulness at the end of the first half.
      Latvia – ranked 134th in the world – created three good chances with Ikaunieks heading the best one straight at the feet of Danny Ward.
      When Ramsey had to be withdrawn early in the second half it could have affected the visitors but they continued to dominate.
      Tottenham fans will be hoping their new £47.5million signing Johnson is saving his goals for them as he could have had a hat-trick here.
      Ikaunieks can count himself lucky to escape a red card for a wild tackle on James – with the VAR decision taking an age to sort out.
      And it would have been hard for Wales to stomach if the midfielder’s late effort went in – but luckily for them it was just the wrong side of Ward’s post.
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      But deep in stoppage time Wilson played in Brooks who expertly clipped in his first international goal since beating cancer.
      A heart-warming moment and a big three points – whether it is enough to save Page remains to be seen. More

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      England star ‘considering ditching Three Lions to play for bitter rivals Scotland’ if they make it to Euro 2024

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      HARVEY BARNES is considering an international allegiance switch from England to Scotland, reports suggest.The winger, who joined Newcastle from Leicester over the summer for £38million, missed Gareth Southgate’s latest Three Lions squad.
      Harvey Barnes is considering an international switch from England to ScotlandCredit: Alamy
      Barnes has appeared for the Three Lions just onceCredit: Rex
      The 25-year-old is eligible to play for the Scots through his grandparents.
      Having earned just one cap for England – a friendly against Wales in 2020 – Barnes could be tempted to make the switch.
      He failed to make Southgate’s provisional 55-man squad for the Qatar World Cup, a long-term consequence of the injury which unfortunately also ruled him out of the Euro 2020 squad.
      Now, according to The Times, he is open-minded about the move despite declining approaches from Scotland in the past.
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      Scotland boss Steve Clarke is said to be a huge fan of Barnes.
      A 3-0 win over Cyprus has put Scotland on the cusp of Euro 2024 qualification after a stunning campaign which has also included a victory over Spain.
      Should Norway draw with Georgia in Oslo on Tuesday, Clarke’s side will be able to book their tickets to host nation Germany.
      And securing early qualification could be a contributing factor to Barnes’ decision.
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      He is also said to be aware of Clarke’s fervour for him.
      Angus Gunn is now the Scotland No1 after making his own respective switch from England earlier this year.
      Barnes Toon team-mate Elliot Anderson was called up by the Scots after binning the idea of playing for the Three Lions.
      At St James’ Park he is yet to start a game, but contributed a goal and assist in a 22-minute cameo on his debut against Aston Villa. More

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      England ratings: James Maddison wastes his opportunity and is rightly replaced while Walker is best player on the pitch

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      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.
      England faced off against Ukraine in PolandCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate’s side had a 100 per cent record before the gameCredit: Getty
      England were held to a 1-1 draw
      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. 
      Kyle Walker netted his first ever England goalCredit: Rex
      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.
      Ben Chilwell struggled in deputising for Luke ShawCredit: Reuters
      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.
      Jordan Henderson was far from his bestCredit: Rex
      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.
      James Maddison struggled to make an impactCredit: Getty
      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. More

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      Ukraine 1 England 1: Kyle Walker comes to the rescue after Zinchenko’s opener but Three Lions lose 100% Euro 2024 record

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      KYLE WALKER’S maiden international goal, in his 77th England appearance, kept Gareth Southgate’s side on course for next summer’s Euros. A stunning assist from skipper Harry Kane allowed the outstanding Manchester City full-back to equalise just before half-time after Oleksandr Zinchenko had fired Ukraine into a shock lead. 
      Kyle Walker rescued a draw for England against UkraineCredit: AP
      Oleksandr Zinchenko fired Ukraine into the leadCredit: Getty
      Zinchenko celebrates netting the openerCredit: Reuters
      Walker netted an equaliser before half timeCredit: PA
      The goal was Walker’s first ever for EnglandCredit: Getty
      But this was England’s most disappointing performance since the World Cup group-stage draw with the United States, as they gave up their 100 per cent record in this qualifying campaign. 
      Despite a host of in-form attacking players, Southgate’s team lacked their usual fluency and failed to create enough clear-cut chances despite dominating possession at the Tarczynski Arena in the Polish city of Ukraine. 
      A passionate crowd of displaced Ukrainian fans, exiled from their war-torn homeland, roared on Sergiy Rebrov’s side, who defended stoutly and were threatening on the counter-attack. 
      England will now have to wait until next month’s Wembley clash with Italy, at the earliest, before they clinch qualification for the finals in Germany. 
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      The Three Lions now face an in-form Scotland in a Hampden Park ‘friendly’ on Tuesday and Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army will have little to fear on the basis of this sloppy display.
      Southgate could call on a clutch of players inspired by summer moves – Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Maddison. 
      But his most controversial selection was that of Jordan Henderson, whose switch to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq has caused a storm with LGBT fans, while also casting doubt on his international future in footballing terms. 
      Ukraine’s players were draped in their national flag for the anthems and there was a feverish atmosphere before kick-off among the thousands of Ukrainian fans living here in Poland.
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      Jordan Henderson started for England in midfieldCredit: Reuters
      Jude Bellingham started the game with confidenceCredit: Getty
      England were utterly dominant early on – with Bellingham full of confidence and invention – but they were unable to carve out a decent scoring opportunity.
      Bukayo Saka appeared to be inhibited by an early knock and Ukraine, having defended assuredly, began to grow as an attacking force. 
      There were a few shaky moments for the English defence before Ukraine seized the lead on 26 minutes.
      Their right-back Yukhym Konoplia surged down the right past Ben Chilwell and cut back for Zinchenko to drill home – England’s midfield having failed to pick up the Arsenal man’s run and Jordan Pickford diving the wrong way. 
      England were provoked into a renewed sense of urgency but Henderson skied a shot and Southgate’s side were beginning to show frustration – Maddison booked for a foul on Illia Zabarnyi. 
      Bellingham carved open the Ukraine defence with a diagonal pass but Maddison failed to capitalise with a poor first touch. 
      The place was rocking and England appeared to be wilting. They needed something out of the ordinary to equalise – and that’s what they produced.  
      Kane had dropped so deep he was standing next to his central defenders, to the side of the centre circle, when he conjured a visionary diagonal pass all of 40 yards towards Walker.
      Harry Kane set up Walker’s goalCredit: Reuters
      Walker finally netted for England on his 77th capCredit: Reuters

      The City defender chested down, rifled past Georgiy Bushchan and survived a VAR check for offside to break his duck after 12 years as an international footballer. 
      After the break Maguire headed on to the roof of the net from a Walker cross and a Henderson centre had Bushchan sprawling.
      But a sloppy Bellingham pass afforded Ukraine a half-chance but Georgiy Sudakov screwed his shot well wide. 
      England had been struggling for fluency, on a difficult playing surface, but they clicked into gear when Maddison fed Kane, who held it up and slipped a pass to Saka, the Arsenal man leathering a shot which Bushchan tipped on to the bar.
      Saka exchanged passes with Maddison, wriggled past a defender but had a shot blocked. 
      Midway through the second half, Southgate introduced Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden in place of Bellingham and Maddison, neither of whom had truly sparked. 
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      Rashford had an angled drive pushed out by Bushchan, who then saved a close-range effort from a lunging Maguire. 
      Walker capped a fine personal display with a couple of excellent late challenges to dispossess Mykhailo Mudryk as Ukraine broke menacingly.
      Gareth Southgate must not prepare his team to face ScotlandCredit: Getty More

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      Lionesses legend Jill Scott wows Channel 4 viewers with incredible keepy-up skills and puts Ballon d’Or winner to shame

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      JILL SCOTT managed to wow fans and put Andriy Shevchenko to shame with her keepy-up skills on live TV.The pair were showing off their abilities during Channel 4’s coverage of England’s clash against Ukraine in the Euro 2024 qualifying.
      Jill Scott showed she still had it while showing off her skillsCredit: CHANNEL 4
      Scott pulled off a nifty skill move by balancing the ball on her neckCredit: CHANNEL 4
      Scott continued to juggle the ball and passed it to Andriy ShevchenkoCredit: CHANNEL 4
      Shevchenko could not repeat Scott’s previous skill moveCredit: CHANNEL 4
      The Lionesses legend looked like she had not lost much of her skill despite retiring from football in 2022.
      Scott, 36, managed to keep the ball up as well as pull off an impressive skill by balancing it on the back of her neck.
      Shevchenko – who won the Ballon d’Or in 2004 – however tried to copy the skill move but was not able to.
      Instead of getting the ball to come back over his head so he could continue his keep-ups, he flicked it away with his heel.
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      Former Chelsea and West Ham star Joe Cole also got involved but kept his moves a bit more simple.
      However, he was quick to praise Scott’s skills as he said: “Get in, all the jellied eels.
      “She does everything Jill Scott, unbelievable.”
      Scott however joked that she has to balance the ball on her neck because her knees “are gone”.
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      Shevchenko was one of the best strikers during his heyday as he was a prolific forward for AC Milan and Dynamo Kyiv despite a poor spell at Chelsea.
      Scott was also a star of the women’s game as she starred for the likes of Everton and Manchester City.
      She also played 161 times for England between 2006 and 2022, scoring 27 goals.
      It was a high point for Channel 4 as the broadcaster was slammed after a blunder during the coverage of the match.
      Fans were left watching a black screen as the coverage of the match in Poland went off. More

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      Ukraine 1-1 England LIVE RESULT: Three Lions remain unbeaten in campaign during drab draw – reaction

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      ENGLAND played out a drab draw with Ukraine as they remained unbeaten in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.Former Manchester City team-mates Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kyle Walker were the two scorers, with the latter getting his first international goal.
      Gareth Southgate was forced to persevere with Harry Maguire and Marc Guehi in the heart of defence, but a lack of creativity in the final third will also frustrate the manager.
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      Stay up to date with all the latest from Wroclaw in our live blog…
      The final word
      We are now signing off from the live blog of England’s frustrating 1-1 draw away in Poland with Ukraine.
      The Three Lions still remain in pole position in top spot of rRoup C and could seal their place at next summer’s European Championship in Germany in October when they face Italy at Wembley.
      However, there’s a huge game first – despite it only being a “friendly”.
      England head to Hampden Park on Tuesday to face the Auld Enemy Scotland, and you can follow all of the action live here on Sun Sport.
      Here’s what Gareth Southgate had to say about that: “It will be a completely different game.
      “They are going very well, they are a good side, strong in the middle of the park and difficult to score against.
      “We have to reflect on tonight and improve on the performance.”
      Gaffer’s verdict
      Here’s what England boss Gareth Southgate had to say to Channel 4 after that game: “Very tough place to come. You could feel the atmosphere, a unique occasion.
      “We controlled the game, we pacified a lot of that atmosphere by controlling the game. We didn’t create enough chances. If that is the case you have to make sure you don’t lose the game, so to come back from behind and get the point in terms of qualification is very important.
      “When you have that much of the ball you want to create more chances but the attacking play didn’t click today.
      “Once you go behind you have a bit of a mountain to climb away from home but you have to remain calm. After we scored we controlled the game and I thought if anyone would win it it would be us, but we didn’t create enough chances to do that.”
      Credit: PA
      KANE’S PAIN
      Harry Kane failed to see much action inside the area on what was a frustrating night for the England forward against Ukraine.

      ‘Tick it off’
      Kyle Walker admitted his relief at finally getting off the mark for England – but insists defending is his job “first and foremost”.
      The full-back scored his first Three Lions goal on his 77th cap to secure his country a 1-1 draw with Ukraine.
      Afterwards he said: “It was a relief. To represent your country and be as fortunate as I have this many times, it had been on my mind but now I can finally tick it off.
      “I’ve played with H [Harry Kane] for a number of years now and I know he likes to drop deep and spot that run. I saw the gap. I am pleased I could contribute at that end but my main job is stopping goals.
      “It shows how intelligent he is as a footballer, he can drop deep and play as a number nine. We just need the best Harry Kane.”
      Credit: Rex
      How it unfolded

      KYLE WALKER
      The England goalscorer gives his reaction to the 1-1 draw away to Ukraine:
      “Listen, it’s a point away from home first and foremost.
      “In front of goal we lacked a little bit of cutting edge but sometimes you have these games.
      “Sometimes you just have these nights
      “It’s a good Ukraine side. You take a point and move on and we move to Tuesday which will be a massive game.”
      Credit: Getty
      FAN-TASTIC
      It was a superb result for Ukraine and it was celebrated wildly by their supporters as they lit a number of flares after the whistle.
      They remain second in the group, five points behind England but four ahead of Italy, who take on North Macedonia later tonight.
      Credit: Reuters
      FRUSTRATING
      England will now have to wait until next month’s Wembley clash with Italy, at the earliest, before they clinch qualification for the Euros in Germany. 
      The Three Lions now face an in-form Scotland in a Hampden Park ‘friendly’ on Tuesday.
      And Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army will have little to fear on the basis of this sloppy display and will be licking their lips at the prospect of beating our boys.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      FT: The final whistle goes and it’s honours even.
      England’s 100 per cent record in Euro 2024 qualification is gone, but the point sees them remain in pole position at the top of Group C.
      Zinchenko’s goal for Ukraine earned them a share of the spoils, and they are still unbeaten under their Serhiy Rebrov.
      Credit: Getty
      Mudryk
      The ace showed some flashes of danger, but he found Kyle Walker a tough nut to crack.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      Four minutes of additional time to be played.
      Come on England!
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      90. It’s now another substitute for the hosts.
      The 26-year-old Yehor Nazaryna is on for what is his international debut for Ukraine.
      He has been deployed in midfield for the final few minutes in place of Mudryk.
      The Chelsea winger has been complaining of cramp. He is still yet to complete a full game for his country.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      86. Another change for England.
      Conor Gallagher earns his eighth Three Lions cap as he takes the place of Bukayo Saka.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      85. Rashford goes down after trying to take the ball past Konoplya.
      Free-kick to England down the left of the box as Harry Maguire goes up into the box again.
      Rashford rakes it and drills it towards the back post but the goalkeeper parries away.
      The ball comes back in and bounces down just yards out as Maguire lunges at it, but the England defender eventually ends up with a booking after catching Bushchan’s knee.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      81. Mudryk gets the ball down the left and decides to go for it in a sprint against Kyle Walker.
      The Ukraine winger knocks the ball past the full-back but the goalscorer sees off the danger as he holds off the attacker for an England goalkick.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      79. Ukraine whip in a free-kick from out on the left.
      Mudryk was the man on it, but it is an easy catch for England goalie Pickford.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      76. The goalscorer Zinchenko makes way to a huge ovation.
      He tries to whip the crowd up as he leaves the field.
      Buyalskyi is on in his place.
      15 minutes to go.
      Credit: Reuters
      Willing them on
      The partisan crowd are still making plenty of noise as they try to inspire their side to a famous victory.
      Can England silence them late on?
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      72. Marcus Rashford leaves Mudryk down on the edge of the area with a late challenge while defending a corner.
      Ukraine want a free-kick or penalty as it was right on the line, but England break forward and win a corner themselves.
      Mudryk is down receiving treatment as a VAR check confirms it is no penalty.
      Play eventually resumes and Maguire meets the corner with his head but it’s straight at the goalie.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      65. Double changes for both teams.
      Dovbyk and Sydorchuk replace Yaremchuk and Sudakov for the hosts.
      Southgate responds by bringing on Rashford and Foden for Bellingham and Maddison.
      Ukraine instantly win their first corner of the game but the Three Lions clear the danger.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      64. It’s a first sight of goal for Harry Kane but it’s not one that he will remember.
      The skipper takes a shot from 25 yards left-footed but it sails well wide.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      63. Saka dances through the defence inside the area and pulls the trigger again.
      His shot his blocked low by a Ukraine defender, with Saka instantly appealing for handball.
      VAR check complete – no penalty.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      59. Oh, so close for the Three Lions.
      Harry Kane passes to Bukayo Saka on the corner of the box.
      The Arsenal man comes inside and unleashes a piledriver from 20 yards with his left foot but his effort is tipped on to the bar by the keeper before the danger is clearered.
      Credit: Reuters
      Heads up
      Harry Maguire headed high over the bar with England’s only chance so far of the second half.
      Ukraine 1 England 1
      57. Zinchenko gets the ball on the edge of the box and sets up Sudakov from 20 yards, but the shot goes way wide.
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      Ukraine vs England LIVE SCORE: Maguire and Guehi start in defence for Southgate as Kane leads line – Stream FREE, TV

      by

      ENGLAND are starting with Harry Maguire and Marc Guehi at the heart of defence against Ukraine.Arguably the world’s most in-form star Jude Bellingham also gets the nod in midfield with Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson.
      Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and James Maddison lead the front three for England.
      England have a 100 per cent record from Euro 2024 qualifying Group C so far and a win in Wroclaw will help Gareth Southgate’s side put one foot into the tournament in Germany next summer.

      Kick-off time: 5pm UK
      TV channel: Channel 4
      Live stream: All 4
      Ukraine team: Bushchan, Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Mykolenko, Matviienko, Stepanenko, Zinchenko, Tsygankov, Mudryk, Sudakov, Yaremchuk.
      England team: Pickford, Walker, Guehi, Maguire, Chilwell, Rice, Henderson, Bellingham, Maddison, Saka, Kane.

      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Stay up to date with all the latest from Wroclaw in our live blog…
      Ukraine 0 England 0
      6. Saka goes down yelping in pain after Mykolenko knees him in the thigh down on the right wing.
      The referee awards a free-kick and fortunately the Arsenal man is able to get back on his feet and carry on.
      Credit: Getty
      All in red
      The England boys certainly looked the part as they posed for a team photo before kick off.
      Ukraine 0 England 0
      4. It’s been all England possession so far and they’ve just nearly created their first opening.
      Jude Bellingham collected the ball and pushed forward, threading it between the full-back and centre-half for Bukayo Saka.
      But there was just a little too much on it for the Arsenal man as the ball ran out of play.
      Ukraine 0 England 0
      England, who are wearing all red, get the Euro 2024 qualifier underway.
      And the Ukraine XI
      Chelsea attacker Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko and Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko are all in the starting XI.
      Here’s the Ukraine team news in full:
      Ukraine XI: Bushchan, Konoplya, Matviienko, Mudryk, Mykolenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov, Tsygankov, Yaremchuk, Zabarnyi, Zinchenko.
      Subs: Trubin, Lunin, Mykhailichenko, Kryvtsov, Sydorchuk, Yarmolenko, Dovbyk, Buyalskyi, Vanat, Popov, Nazaryna, Karavaiev.
      England XI
      In case you missed it earlier, here’s how England are starting.
      Boss Gareth Southgate has made four changes to the team that beat North Macedonia 7-0 last time out in June.
      England XI: Pickford, Walker, Maguire, Guehi, Chilwell, Rice, Bellingham, Maddison, Henderson, Saka, Kane.
      Subs: Trippier, Johnstone, Colwill, Tomori, Phillips, Dunk, Eze, Rashford, Foden, Gallagher, Ramsdale, Wilson.

      Anthems underway
      The teams are out and the national anthems are underway.
      Just seconds to go until kick-off!
      ‘Grab the jersey’
      Former England defender Matt Upson believes the decision to select Harry Maguire was the right one by Gareth Southgate.
      He told BBC BBC Radio 5 LIve: “It’s a sensible pairing [Harry Maguire and Marc Guehi], given the fact there is no John Stones.
      “It makes sense that he has experience in Maguire and it seems that Guehi is probably next in line.
      “These younger players or less experienced players need to grab the jersey.”
      Tick tock, tick tock…

      Opportunity knocks…
      It has not quite clicked yet on the pitch for this man since his big-money move to Chelsea in January.
      But Mykhailo Mudryk will be desperate to show everybody in England what he is capable of today.
      Credit: Rex
      Warming up
      The England boys are getting their stretches in as the crowd continues to pile in through the turnstiles.
      Just 20 minutes to go until their Euro 2024 qualifier with Ukraine gets underway.
      Credit: Getty
      Crowd-pleaser
      The ground is filling up nicely ahead of kick off.
      Here’s what Gareth Southgate had to say on what he expects his team to face from the stands:

      GOAL MACHINE
      England captain Harry Kane will be looking to extend his record goal tally for his country this afternoon.
      The new Bayern Munich striker has scored 58 times in 84 caps for the Three Lions.
      Credit: Getty
      UKRAINE TEAM NEWS
      Manager Serhiy Rebrov has made five changes to the team that defeated Malta 1-0 in their last match in June.
      Chelsea attacker Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko and Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko are all brought into the starting XI.
      Forward Roman Yaremchuk also gets the nod to start while goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan is included.
      Here’s the Ukraine team news in full:
      Ukraine XI: Bushchan, Konoplya, Matviienko, Mudryk, Mykolenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov, Tsygankov, Yaremchuk, Zabarnyi, Zinchenko.
      Subs: Trubin, Lunin, Mykhailichenko, Kryvtsov, Sydorchuk, Yarmolenko, Dovbyk, Buyalskyi, Vanat, Popov, Nazaryna, Karavaiev.
      Credit: Rex
      AND THE SUBS
      Should things not go to plan for Southgate, then he has a star-studded bench to call upon.
      Here are the England substitutes: Kieran Trippier, Sam Johnstone, Levi Colwill, Fikayo Tomori, Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Dunk, Eberechi Eze, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Conor Gallagher, Aaron Ramsdale, Callum Wilson.
      ENGLAND LINE-UP
      Both Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson start.
      Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi will partner Maguire in central defence while Henderson will line-up alongside Declan Rice in the middle.
      Captain Harry Kane leads the line with in-form Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham offering him support with James Maddison and Bukayo Saka.

      TEAM NEWS
      And Henderson has been picked!
      Here’s the England team to face Ukraine this afternoon:

      HEND THE RULES
      Ex-Liverpool star Jordan Henderson has been heavily criticised following his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
      A number of reports suggest that the midfielder could be booed by some LGBTQ+ supporters in Wroclaw if he plays.
      However, Gareth Southgate is adamant that has had zero impact on him deciding whether to select him or not.
      He said: “I don’t pick the team based on external reaction.
      “I think Jordan expressed himself this week that he’d be sad if that’s how they felt. His feeling towards that community hasn’t changed.
      “I understand some of the comments that have been, and I respect the comments that have been made.
      “But I think what’s also been said is that they’re going to get behind the team when we play, and I am sure they’ll get behind Jordan when the game starts as well.”
      Credit: Rex
      ZIN IT TO WIN IT
      A host of Ukraine supporters are already inside the ground.
      There are believed to be around 300,000 Ukrainians living in the Wroclaw region now following Russia’s invasion of their homeland last year.
      And Arsenal’s Ukrainian full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko spoke pre-match about how he hopes to see a sea of blue and yellow when they take on England.
      He said: “I know some friends living here since the invasion and the feedback is that Polish people are helping as much as they can.
      “I’m expecting a full stadium of blue and yellow because I know a lot of Ukrainians are living here, of course it will be an amazing atmosphere and I’m expecting a good game as well, both teams play good football.
      “It is impossible to say that it is going to be the same atmosphere as when we play in Ukraine, because when you play in Ukraine even the air is different.
      “I can’t wait until this time we will be (back playing in Ukraine) because all of us are just dreaming about it.”
      THREE LIONS ARRIVE
      We are just over one hour away from England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine getting underway.
      The Three Lions are looking to take another huge step towards securing their spot in Germany by continuing their 100 per cent record in Group C.
      Gareth Southgate’s men have arrived at the Stadion Wroclaw in Poland and have already been out inspecting the pitch.
      Credit: Reuters
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