England were unable to extend their lead at the top of their Euro 2024 qualification group as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ukraine.
The match, played in Wroclaw, Poland, due to the war in Ukraine, was England’s for the taking — and Gareth Southgate’s side had the better chances.
Yet it was Ukraine who took a surprise lead in the first half when Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko coolly slotted home from Yukhym Konoplya’s pull-back.
England were level before the break when Kyle Walker scored his long-awaited first international goal, in his 77th cap, from Harry Kane’s inch-perfect hoicked pass. Southgate’s side remain comfortably top of Group C by six points, but their 100 per cent win rate was lost as Ukraine held on for a valuable point.
Dom Smith was witnessing the action and rated the England performances…
Jordan Pickford — 6
Out of his goal quickly to ensure Mykhailo Mudryk couldn’t tear away one-on-one in the first half. Had little else to do.
Kyle Walker — 8
Got into the box and equalised before half-time, scoring his long overdue maiden England goal. Was visibly delighted with it.
Marc Guehi — 7
Played well in Wroclaw, mopping up any danger well and never panicking on the ball.
Harry Maguire — 6
Did his job at the back and headed into Heorhiy Buschan’s grasp from a late corner as England went searching for a winner in the second half. Harshly booked late on.
Ben Chilwell — 7
Helped to track back and was a threat down the left flank. A valuable chance to impress Southgate, who prefers the injured Luke Shaw when fit.
The game sparks into life as Ukraine take the lead 🫶#C4Football | #ThreeLions | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/yp24RTkF1m
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) September 9, 2023
Declan Rice — 6
One of his quieter games but rotated play well and brought his teammates into play. Rarely puts a foot wrong for club or country.
Jordan Henderson — 7
A workmanlike shift from the industrious No8, despite all the noise that has surrounded his controversial selection for this squad.
Jude Bellingham — 6
Popped up in plenty of useful areas of the pitch in a busy performance before being replaced after 65 minutes.
Bukayo Saka — 7
England’s liveliest attacker. Desperately unlucky not to score when Bushchan tipped his second-half dipper against the crossbar and away.
Harry Kane — 7
His assist for Walker’s equaliser was a stunning long pass, indicative of his magnificent passing range. Had very few chances to fire at goal himself.
James Maddison — 7
Dropped into the pocket and carried the ball excellently for England. Booked in the first half for a lazy and late slide tackle on Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi.
Substitutes:
Marcus Rashford (Maddison, 65’) — 7
Made an impact off the bench, beating players and moving the ball more quickly on the left than can sometimes be said of him.
Phil Foden (Bellingham, 65’) — 6
Struggled to get into the game despite playing the final 25 minutes.
Conor Gallagher (Saka, 86’) — N/A
