The Ukrainian national team played its opening match in the Euro 2024 qualification, marking a milestone for the country's main squad as it was their 300th game in history.

The blue-and-yellow team gathered for the first time in half a year — since their appearance at the League of Nations. Our national team kicked off its qualification journey for Euro 2024 with a match against England at "Wembley" in front of nearly 85,000 spectators, more than four thousand of whom were visiting fans. It's worth noting that the islanders had already started their Group C campaign with a win over Italy (2:1).

The team was led onto the famous pitch by the assistant coach, Ruslan Rotan, who also coaches the youth squad. Prior to traveling to England, our national team lost Riznik, Zubkov, and Konoplyi, later Zabarnyi fell out of contention as well; Popov and Yarmolenko did not make it onto the game roster either. Rotan fielded a lineup featuring debutant Svatos in defense and Sudakov in midfield, while Malinovsky played on the right wing.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

The game started at a measured pace, with the Ukrainians several times approaching Pickford's goal but not seriously threatening his control. Once, Yaremchuk went one-on-one against the English goalkeeper, though the referee flagged him offside. In turn, England tried to attack through the flanks, seeking opportunities in the penalty area for Kane and his teammates. Thus, on the 20th minute, the captain of "Three Lions" forced Trubin into action for the first time. Soon after, Harry failed to properly finish a few passes but often found himself offside.

However, the hosts gradually gained control, forcing the Ukrainians to mostly play without possession and defend. On the 37th minute, Ukraine's defense finally cracked: Kane passed from deep into the right flank where Saka delivered a cross, which Harry himself converted past Trubin. The British quickly doubled their lead — Saka broke free near the penalty area and curled it beautifully into the far corner. 2:0.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

Kane had another chance soon after, but Trubin parried his shot from a tight angle. The Ukrainians responded with an inaccurate long-range attempt by Mudryk. Overall, our national team failed to test the goalkeeper in the first half.

After halftime, the situation remained largely unchanged as England played defensively off their lead. Meanwhile, the blue-and-yellow side regularly made mistakes which led to missed opportunities such as Maddison's shot from outside the penalty area and a dangerous cross by Saka.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

Rotan made a triple substitution and changed the formation, but this did not bring about significant changes. Towards the end of the match, neither team created many chances, though on the 87th minute Trubin twice saved the visitors. Also noteworthy was Maguire's header over the crossbar from a corner in stoppage time and Trubin's save from a dangerous shot by Grealish. In summary, England celebrated their victory with a score of 2:0 while Ukraine will try to improve their situation in June.

Euro 2024. Qualification tournament. Group C

Matchday 2

England — Ukraine — 2:0 (2:0)

Goals: Kane (37), Saka (40).

England: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell, Bellingham (Gallagher, 85), Henderson, Rice, Saka, Kane (c) (Toney, 81), Maddison (Grealish, 85).

Substitutes: Ramsdale, Foster, Trippier, Gheihy, Dyer, Phillips.

Coach: Gareth Southgate.

Ukraine: Trubin, Karavaev (Boyko, 61), Svatos, Matviyenko (Sobolev, 61), Mykolenko (c) (Sobolev, 61), Sudakov, Stepanenko (Konoplyanok, 90), Zinchenko, Malinovsky, Yaremchuk (Dovbik, 74), Mudryk (Tsiganok, 61).

Substitutes: Lunin, Shevchenko, Sarapay, Sidorchuk, Miroshnichenko, Bondarenko, Pikhalyonok.

Coach: Ruslan Rotan.

Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey).

Yellow card: Malinovsky (69).

March 26. London. "Wembley". Attendance: 83,947.

Malta — Italy (21.45)

Standings

Matchday 3

June 16, 2023

Malta — England (21.45)

North Macedonia — Ukraine (21.45)