England’s 100% record in the 2024 European Championship qualifiers was ended as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ukraine in Poland today.
The visitors dominated possession early on, but the only attempt they could muster was a blocked shot from Bukayo Saka.
Ukraine began to grow into the match and took the lead with the first shot on target. Viktor Tsygankov fed Yukhym Konoplya, whose cutback was swept in by Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Gareth Southgate’s side continued to have most of the ball but struggled to fashion a clear-cut opportunity. That was until the 41st minute when they bagged an equaliser with a moment of quality.
Harry Kane picked it up from deep and produced a pinpoint ball over the top for Kyle Walker. The right-back took one touch and poked it in at the near post for his first international goal.
The Three Lions enjoyed more possession after the break but found it difficult to get past a resolute home backline.
Jude Bellingham couldn’t get enough power behind his header from Jordan Henderson’s cross, and Harry Maguire was unable to capitalise on a couple of chances from set pieces.
On the hour mark, Saka came within inches of giving his side the lead. He was fed by Kane, and his thunderous effort was brilliantly turned onto the bar by Heorhiy Bushchan. Aside from that, there was little else to report.
The point keeps Ukraine in second place in the group, four points clear of Italy. Meanwhile, England remain six points clear at the top.
Ukraine
Heorhiy Bushchan (8/10) – Made one stunning save to deny Saka. Looked assured and confident.
Yukhym Konoplya (8/10) *MOTM*– Dealt with England’s left-hand side well. Provided some attacking threat and assisted the opener.
Illia Zabarnyi (7/10) – Came under plenty of pressure and never cracked. A strong display.
Mykola Matvienko (7/10) – Coped with the physical threat of Kane reasonably well. Substituted at half-time.
Vitaliy Mykolenko (6/10) – Allowed Walker to get away from him for his goal. Otherwise an encouraging performance to keep Saka relatively quiet.
Taras Stepanenko (7/10) – Shielded the backline well. Booked early on for a challenge on Maddison.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (7/10) – Took his goal well. Contributed well defensively, although he wasn’t able to maintain possession easily.
Viktor Tsygankov (6/10) – Often Ukraine’s biggest threat going forward. Contributed to the opener.
Heorhiy Sudakov (5/10) – Ran well, but didn’t provide much threat.
Mykhailo Mudryk (5/10) – Unable to get the better of Walker.
Roman Yaremchuk (5/10) – Worked hard, but struggled to make an impact.
Substitutes
Sergiy Kryvtsov (7/10)
Serhiy Sydorchuk (6/10)
Artem Dovbyk (5/10)
Vitaliy Buyalskyi (5/10)
Ehor Nazaryna (NA/10)
England
Jordan Pickford (6/10) – A spectator for much of the game. Could do little about Zinchenko’s goal.
Kyle Walker (8/10) – Kept Mudryk very quiet. Great touch and finish for his goal.
Harry Maguire (7/10) – Let very little past him. Could have got on the score sheet.
Marc Guehi (7/10) – Composed at the back and calm on the ball.
Ben Chilwell (5/10) – Didn’t offer enough in attack. Sometimes struggled on Ukraine’s right flank.
Declan Rice (6/10) – Arguably could have done more to prevent the goal. Helped England dominate possession, but wasn’t incisive enough.
Jordan Henderson (6/10) – Saw plenty of the ball and ran well. Didn’t provide enough of an attacking threat.
Bukayo Saka (5/10) – Looked way off the pace. Unlucky with a strike in the second half that hit the bar.
Jude Bellingham (6/10) – A mixed display. Some lovely footwork, but lost the ball carelessly on a few occasions.
James Maddison (5/10) – Got into plenty of promising areas. End product let him down.
Harry Kane (7/10) – Produced a sensational pass for Walker’s equaliser. Played some wonderful balls throughout, while not really looking like scoring.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford (5/10)
Phil Foden (5/10)
Conor Gallagher (NA/10)
