Ukraine holds England to draw in European Championship qualifying

WROCLAW, Poland (AP) — Ukraine ended England’s excellent document in 2024 European Championship qualifying after Oleksandr Zinchenko’s first-half objective helped safe a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Zinchenko put Ukraine forward with a side-footed end within the twenty sixth minute earlier than Kyle Walker equalized together with his first objective for England, on his 77th look, within the forty first.

The Ukrainian followers celebrated as if it was a win after the ultimate whistle, with the gamers applauding the supporters in return. The group is enjoying all its “home” video games in Poland due to the struggle in opposition to Russia.

“An amazing result for us. England are one of the best teams in the world,” Zinchenko mentioned. “The atmosphere was unbelievable. It felt like we played at home. I really hope very soon we can play at home.”

England had received its first 4 qualifiers and nonetheless has a agency grip on Group C with 13 factors. Ukraine is second on seven factors having performed one sport fewer.

Ukraine took the lead on a fast counterattack as Yukhym Konoplya obtained the ball on the correct flank and squared the ball for Zinchenko, who bought away from his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice to attain contained in the close to put up.

It was Ukraine’s solely shot heading in the right direction within the sport.

Harry Kane created the equalizer for England with an outstanding ball excessive of the defence to select Walker as he raced into the realm, and the fullback managed the ball with one contact earlier than choosing his spot to beat goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan.

“It’s just a relief,” Walker mentioned about getting his first objective. “It’s been on my mind. But now I can tick that off, I’ve done it, and I’ve finally got an England goal.”

There had been few high quality probabilities within the second half however Bukayo Saka hit the crossbar with a curling shot from distance after which had penalty appeals waved away after one other shot was blocked by a defender’s arm.

Harry Maguire had an opportunity to attain the winner within the eighty fifth when the ball fell to him within the field after a free kick, however he was booked for a foul after lunging in and solely making contact with Bushchan.

The sport was performed in the identical stadium the place Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Oleksandr Usyk defeated British challenger Daniel Dubois two weeks in the past.

Ukraine misplaced 2-0 to England at Wembley in March, however coach Serhiy Rebrov has now overseen two wins and a attract qualifying since taking up in June.

“The players (produced) a very good celebration for the people,” Rebrov mentioned. “There is a very good atmosphere inside the stadium. No one wants to go home.”