From March 20 to 26, the Ukrainian youth team will participate in the elite round of Euro-2024 (U-19). To qualify for the final stage of the European Championship, blue and yellow must secure first place in a group with Switzerland, North Macedonia, and Latvia. The mini-tournament host is North Macedonia, where matches between the quartet will take place at Makedonija Gjorce Petrov Stadium and FFM Training Centre.

Ahead of the training camp dedicated to preparing for these competitions, our team's new head coach Dmitro Mykhaylenko answered questions from the official website of the UAF.

— Mr. Dmitro, how did your virtual acquaintance with your wards go?

— I called and messaged many boys, we also have an analytical group that was at the Euro qualifier, so I know a lot about the players' abilities. Also, it was possible to watch those players who were previously injured.

— Regarding foreigners in the team, of whom there are five, do you have enough information?

— Yes. I received links to matches where these footballers participated, coaches shared fitness data, and I personally spoke with the boys.

— We cannot help but ask you about Andriy Shevchenko's son, Kristian. What qualities have caught your attention?

— This player plays in a strong league — I don't think there will be any questions regarding the competitiveness of England’s Premier League. Kristian is playing and scoring there, having scored seven times in his last seven matches. He has also graduated from Chelsea's academy, which speaks to the quality of the player.

— This tournament will be your debut as a national team coach. Are you nervous?

— There is some excitement because this job differs from club work. Most of the time, I have to spend in front of a computer monitor, watching potential candidates for the squad. I am eagerly waiting to meet the team. The upcoming tournament will be fast-paced, with only three matches and little preparation time. There's no chance to do much — first, we need to convince the players and get them ready for the football that will yield results.

— What can you say about your future opponents, Switzerland, North Macedonia, and Latvia? Is there a favorite?

— I think it's Switzerland. The qualifier round where they outperformed Italy and Sweden is proof of that. But we have information on all the opponents as well. It’s important to prepare well — in football, nothing is impossible.

— Is Ukraine considered a dark horse?

— Ukraine is a football nation. Currently, due to Russian aggression, we do not have the opportunity to play friendly matches like other national teams do. But we have character and a desire to win, which also counts for much, so our team is also considered one of the candidates to qualify for the final stage of the European Championship.

Composition of the Ukrainian youth team U-19

Goalkeepers: Vladyslav Kravec («Shakhtar» Donetsk), Vladyslav Krapivcov («Dnipro-1» Dnipropetrovsk), David Fesuk («Croatia», Croatia).

Defenders: Oleksiy Husev, Taras Mikhavko, Nazar Balaba (all — «Dynamo» Kyiv), Anton Drosd, Mykola Ogarkov (both — «Shakhtar» Donetsk), Ivan Yermachkov («Wuppertal», Germany), Maxim Styrkov («Hannover 96», Germany).

Midfielders: Daniil Vashchenko («Oleksandria»), Andriy Matveychuk («Dynamo» Kyiv), Viktor Tsukanov («Shakhtar» Donetsk), Maxim Melnychenko («Dnipro-1» Dnipropetrovsk), Gennadiy Synchuk («Metalist» Kharkiv), Danilo Krevsun («Borussia» Dortmund, Germany).

Forwards: Matviy Ponomarenko («Dynamo» Kyiv), Ramik Gadzhiev («Dnipro-1» Dnipropetrovsk), Mykhailo Dubrovnyi («Gent», Belgium), Timur Tutyurov («Sunderland», England), Kristian Shevchenko («Watford», England).

Elite round qualification calendar for Euro-2024 (U-19) Group 7

March 20, 2024

Switzerland — Latvia (15:00)

North Macedonia — Ukraine (15:00)

March 23, 2024

Switzerland — North Macedonia (15:00)

Ukraine — Latvia (15:00)

March 26, 2024

Ukraine — Switzerland (15:00)

Latvia — North Macedonia (15:00)

Match times are in Kyiv time.

The draw for the elite round split 28 teams into seven groups, whose matches will take place in March. Winners of the group stages join the host, Northern Ireland, at the final stage from July 15—28, 2024, which serves as a UEFA qualifier for the 2025 World Cup (U-20).

Euro-2024 (U-19). Elite round qualification

Group 1: Spain, Austria, Kosovo, Slovenia.

Group 2: Netherlands, Belgium, France, Lithuania.

Group 3: Norway, Israel, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro.

Group 4: Portugal, Denmark, Serbia, Greece.

Group 5: Scotland, Czech Republic, Georgia, Italy.

Group 6: Turkey, Germany, Croatia, Romania.

Group 7: Switzerland, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Latvia.