Just a few days after navigating past the old foe of Germany, England must prepare for their Euro 2020 quarter-final clash with Ukraine.
Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Euro 2020 Quarter-Final Between Ukraine and England
Match Preview
Gareth Southgate’s side will make the 1,000-odd mile trip from St George’s Park to Italy hoping to make the semi-final stage of the European Championships for the first time since 1996 when they take on Ukraine on July 3.
The Three Lions head into the clash with Ukraine full of confidence having beaten Germany in a knock-out match for the first time since 1966 in their last match.
With three wins from four matches and clean sheets in each outing, England will be hoping for another professional and defensively sound performance.
They come up against, however, a Ukraine team which pushed hard in a 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands, and showed determination to score a late winner in stoppage time of extra time against Sweden in the Round of 16.
Artem Dovbyk’s last gasp winner in midweek proved to be just about enough as they slid past Sweden, but they face a nation whom they have beaten just once in seven previous meetings.
England have shown defensive solidarity unfamiliar to fans before. In fact, they have proved so watertight that they are just the second team in Euro history to not concede in their opening four matches.
Unlike England, however, who have scored more than once in just one of their four matches so far, Ukraine have found slightly more fortune in front of goal.
Andriy Shevchenko’s side have scored two goals in three of their past four matches – but they did manage to only reach the knock-out stages of the competition as one of the best third-placed teams with three points to their name.
England will be hoping Harry Kane’s header against Germany – his first goal of the tournament – will be the start of a goalscoring run for the Tottenham Hotspur forward.
Raheem Sterling’s three goals have allowed England to reach the quarter-final stage and his form, as well as the creativity of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, have proved crucial in England’s past matches.
Location and Kick-Off Time
England will travel to Italy to take on Ukraine in the Quarter Finals of the European Championships.
The clash, at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome, will kick-off at 8pm (BST).
Team News
Manager Southgate proved to be tactically wise with his minor adjustments ahead of the Germany clash. Switching to a back three and a midfield five, the Three Lions were able to match up man for man against their nemesis and avoid being overloaded.
Discussing his tactical changes with the FA’s England podcast, he said: “We had to nullify some of their strengths. We weren’t perfect but we were very, very good.
“Once we started to get that aggressive pressure on and use the ball well, then we were a threat.”
The Three Lions may return to their more familiar back four – in which they have conceded just once in eight international matches when using. It would allow Southgate to deploy a more creative player – such as Mason Mount – to control things in midfield.
Southgate has no injury concerns ahead of the trip to Italy. Ben Chilwell and Mount are both fighting for a place in the matchday squad having served their 10 days of self-isolation.
The England boss may also look to protect those among his squad who have picked up yellow cards. Harry Maguire, Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Phill Foden would miss the semi-finals through suspension if they are booked against Ukraine.
It may result in Jordan Henderson – a used substitute against Germany – being utilised from the start at the expense of Rice or Phillips in central midfield.
How to Watch Ukraine v England
Supporters can follow all the action in Rome on BBC One. Join Gary Lineker and his host of pundits and guests from 7pm as they provide live coverage from Italy.
Alternatively, radio commentary can be found on BBC Five Live and talkSPORT.
Betting Odds
England are favourites to beat Ukraine according to most bookmakers. bet365 are offering Harry Kane at 13/5 to be the first goalscorer, whilst top scorer Raheem Sterling has been placed at 5/1.
Following England’s victory over Germany, the Three Lions are now odds-on favourites to win the competition.
Gareth Southgate’s side are placed at 15/8 with bet365 and are followed by Spain (3/1), Italy (4/1) and Belgium (7/1).
Please note bedding odds may change over time.
Main Photo
