In a tense encounter in Poland, England‘s perfect Euro 2024 qualifying run was halted as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Ukrainian side. While qualification remains highly probable, the match exposed areas for improvement as Gareth Southgate’s team prepares for the challenges ahead. Linebet brings you an in-depth tactical breakdown of this compelling fixture.
A Night of Mixed Emotions in Wroclaw
The match, played in Wroclaw, Poland, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, was set against an emotionally charged backdrop. England entered as clear favorites, boasting a 100% record, but faced a Ukrainian team fighting for more than just points. From the opening whistle, England established their typical dominance, controlling 94% of the possession in the first ten minutes. However, this control lacked penetration, a theme that would define their evening. The early warning signs were there, with only a blocked Bukayo Saka effort to show for their overwhelming ball control.
Against the run of play, Ukraine delivered a sucker punch. A swift counter-attack, initiated by Georgiy Sudakov, found right-back Yukhym Konoplya on a marauding run down the flank. His precise cross into the box found an unmarked Zinchenko, who made no mistake from close range, sending the passionate Ukrainian supporters into delirium.
Walker’s Moment of Redemption
The goal seemed to rattle England, leading to a period of frustration exemplified by a sloppy yellow card for James Maddison. Chances came and went; Maddison himself was denied by a poor touch after a sublime Jude Bellingham pass, and Jordan Henderson blazed over from distance. It seemed England would head into the break behind.
Just before the interval, captain Harry Kane, who had been largely isolated with only 16 first-half touches, dropped deep into a almost quarter-back role. From inside his own half, he delivered a breathtaking, defense-splitting pass that traveled 40 yards onto the boot of the charging Kyle Walker. The Manchester City defender showed incredible technique to control the ball and then the composure of a seasoned striker to slot home his first-ever international goal on his 77th appearance.
Kyle Walker’s immense relief and joy were palpable as he scored a crucial equalizer, a landmark moment in his illustrious international career.
Second-Half Pressure Yields No Winner
Gareth Southgate undoubtedly delivered a firm message at half-time, as England emerged with greater intensity. They controlled the tempo and created better opportunities. Harry Maguire, a constant threat from set-pieces, headed onto the roof of the net. Soon after, Bukayo Saka unleashed a dipping, long-range effort that was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Ukrainian goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan.
In search of a winner, Southgate introduced Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden, but the final ball continued to elude the Three Lions. The best late chance fell, ironically, to defender Maguire, who couldn’t sort his feet out at the far post after a Henderson flick-on, with Bushchan smothering the opportunity. The fact that England’s primary chances fell to their center-backs highlighted a rare off-night for their usually prolific attacking unit.
Post-Match Reactions: A Study in Perspective
Gareth Southgate acknowledged his team’s shortcomings in the final third but placed value on the point earned. “The reality is we’re not going to win every game by fours and sevens,” he stated in his post-match interview. He praised the team’s composure in a difficult atmosphere and emphasized the importance of the point for qualification, noting they have taken four points from two difficult away games against their toughest group opponents.
Ukraine manager Sergey Rebrov, a former Premier League player, was understandably delighted. He hailed his team’s character and defensive discipline, offering a pointed piece of analysis for England: “England was very strong in the first-half, good at controlling the ball. But in football, controlling the ball is not enough… they didn’t create many chances because we defended very well.”
The Group C Landscape Shifts
The draw has implications beyond England‘s campaign. In the other Group C fixture, new Italy manager Luciano Spalletti saw his team concede a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia. This result leaves both teams on four points, significantly behind England’s total of 13 points from five games. Ukraine remains in second place with seven points.
What’s Next for the Three Lions?
England now swiftly turns its attention to a historic friendly against in-form Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday. This will be a stern test of England’s character and ability to bounce back. The focus then shifts to the October international break, where they will host Australia in a friendly before a potentially decisive qualifier against Italy at Wembley Stadium.
For Ukraine, the fight continues. Their next outing is a crucial qualifier against Italy at the San Siro on Tuesday, a match that will have massive implications for the second automatic qualification spot from Group C.
Linebet provides the most expert football analysis, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the drama.
England’s Euro 2024 Qualification Delayed After Gritty Ukraine Draw
While not the desired result, England’s draw in Poland serves as a valuable reality check. It highlighted a continued over-reliance on Harry Kane for goals and a occasional lack of creativity against well-organized, deep-lying defenses. However, the resilience to come from behind and the continued solidity in midfield are positive takeaways. The road to Germany continues, and the lessons learned in Wroclaw may prove invaluable next summer.
What did you make of England’s performance? Were you surprised by the lack of cutting edge, or is this just a minor bump on the road to qualification? Share your thoughts and analysis with the Linebet community below
