Ukraine 1-1 England (Sep 9, 2023) Game Analysis

England fought again to salvage a 1-1 draw of their Euro 2024 qualifier towards Ukraine on Saturday to remain six factors clear atop Group C after Kyle Walker scored from a chic go by Harry Kane for his first worldwide objective.

England dominated possession however Ukraine opened the scoring towards the run of play within the twenty sixth minute by way of Oleksandr Zinchenko after Yukhym Konoplia in the reduction of a go from the proper for the midfielder to sidefoot previous goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

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“I think it’s an amazing result for us,” Zinchenko mentioned. “England are one of the best teams in the world and in general we did very well.”

Ukraine haven’t performed at residence since Russia launched an invasion of the nation in February 2022, and the gang noise inside Tarczynski Arena in Poland was deafening at occasions.

Gareth Southgate’s aspect levelled near the break after skipper Kane gathered the ball in midfield and fantastically picked out Walker who neatly managed the ball and slotted residence with a composed end for his first England objective.

Walker bemoaned his aspect’s missed possibilities however mentioned getting a draw on the street marked an excellent return for a aspect that had 11 makes an attempt in comparison with two for Ukraine.

“It’s a point away from home and we’re in a good position in the group and it was always going to be tough as they’re a proud nation,” he instructed Channel 4 tv.

“I thought we lacked a bit of cutting edge tonight but sometimes you have to take a point an move on.”

Added Kane: “A little bit disappointed for sure. We controlled the game but just lacked a bit in the final third. We didn’t quite have those fast connections. When you are not at your best and still get a point it is the sign of a good team. It is not the end of the world.”

England performed extra straight after the break and began creating extra alternatives, together with a Bukayo Saka shot that bounced off the bar.

With about 25 minutes left, Southgate changed James Maddison and Jude Bellingham with Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford however neither substitute was in a position to raise England previous a resolute Ukraine who performed greater up the pitch after half-time.

“The reality is we are not going to win every game by fours and sevens as we have done in this qualifying campaign.” Southgate mentioned. “That was a really good test, away from home, a very passionate atmosphere, quite a few changes forced from the last game. And for people like Marc Guehi for instance, his first experience of a game like that with England, which he came through really strongly.

“Sometimes, particularly with attacking play, it would not fairly click on. We know the patterns that we labored on in the course of the week. We tried to refresh issues to provide them a unique type of downside.

“Today our forward play bar the goal and probably Bukayo’s effort that hit the bar, wasn’t at the level it has been in our previous games.”

England, who conceded simply their second objective in qualifying, are prime with 13 factors from 5 video games adopted by Ukraine on seven from 4. The draw towards Ukraine marked the primary time England have dropped factors within the qualifying marketing campaign.