England’s 100% record in Euro 2024 qualifying was brought to an end by Ukraine in Poland, as Serhiy Rebrov’s side held the Three Lions to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
The result keeps Ukraine second in Group C after Italy failed to beat North Macedonia on the same day, also drawing 1-1. England top the group with 13 points from a possible 15 and their place at Euro 2024 in Germany all but guaranteed. But they’ll be disappointed to have seen a winning streak come to an end which had lasted since their World Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of France last December.
With the atmosphere inside the Tarczynski Arena already at fever pitch, the Ukrainian supporters were sent into raptures after 26 minutes as Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko grabbed the game’s first goal following excellent work from Konoplya on the right-hand-side.
However, England got themselves level before half-time with a moment of history. Zinchenko’s former Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker sprung the offside trap to latch on to a long pass forward from Harry Kane and score his first ever goal for the Three Lions.
England upped the ante in the second half, putting Ukraine under pressure. But Gareth Southgate’s men could not find a way through despite the likes of Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford coming off the bench.
Following his excellent form for new club Tottenham Hotspur, James Maddison was afforded a start by Southgate on the left-hand-side of a front three. After being booked in the first half, Maddison was subbed off in the 65th minute and it remains to be seen if he will get another chance in the starting XI on Tuesday night, which sees England take on old rivals Scotland in a friendly at Hampden Park.
