Ukraine faces competition favorites England in a demanding encounter in Rome. Andriy Shevchenko's side are in their first-ever quarterfinal stage at the Euros and only their second ever in a major competition. On the flip side, the Three Lions are competing in their third quarter final stage. The winner of this battle will face either Czech Republic or Denmark in the semifinals of Euro 2020.
Shevchenko saw his boys make their destiny in the very last minute of extra time when Artem Dovbyk headed home the winner in a crazy moment for the nation. Oleksandr Zinchenko's powerful drive gave the Ukrainian the lead around the half-hour mark before Emil Forsberg leveled up for Sweden on the cusp of halftime. Forsberg was unfortunate in striking the upright and the crossbar inside the second half to Ukraine's relief forcing extra time. Center-back Danielson also received a straight red because of a dangerous challenge. Sweden's fluffed chances cost them eventually as Zinchenko became the provider this time swinging in a beautiful cross that got converted in the last action of the match.
A special story was made for England too. Gareth Southgate's men finally broke away from their 55 years hoodoo to defeat Germany in the knockout stage of a major competition in 1966. The game which proved to be Joachim Low's last at Germany's helm got dominated by the host at Wembley. The stadium that has been the ground for disappointment facing the opposition, apart from the World Cup triumph, served euphoria for the England supporters. After neutralizing Germany, Raheem Sterling put the home side ahead with his third strike of the tournament before Harry Kane impressively broke his duck at this Euros by heading past Manuel Neuer. Thomas Muller's shocking miss in between made things sweeter for England who kept their fourth successive clean sheet for the first time since 1966.
Ukraine vs England Match Details :
When: Saturday, July 3rd / Sunday, July 4th
Timings: 00:30 (IST)/ 21:00 (CET)
Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
Recent Form (Euro 2020) :
Ukraine: LWLW
England: WDWW
Injuries & Suspensions
Artem Besedin suffered a career-threatening injury being on the wrong end of a horror challenge by Sweden defender Marcus Danielson in their round of 16 clashes against Sweden and is reportedly out for six months with his knee injury. That means he is out of action till 2022. Denys Popov has already withdrawn from the squad with an injury while Oleksandr Zubkov has recovered from a calf strain and made himself available for the game. Shevchenko will field the same eleven with the same formation that made Ukraine play fluidly.
England are happy to get Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell back with the rest of the group after their period of self-isolation ended on the day they face Germany. Mount can be considered to start against Ukraine although Bukayo Saka is likely to hold his place. The major change can be seen in the midfield as one of Declan Rice or Kalvin Philips is to be sacrificed for Jordan Henderson. Both are one booking away from getting suspended for the semifinal stage so Southgate won't risk them playing together at least from the start. Jack Grealish provided the spark for England's seeing off Germany in the last 20 minutes of the game but he will warm the bench despite deserving a start. Southgate wants to stick evidently with a three-man backline.
Ukraine vs England Predicted Lineups :
Ukraine: George Bushchan; Illia Zabarnyi, Sergei Kryvtsov, Mykola Matvienko, Alexander Karavaev, Serhiy Sydorchuk, Mykola Shaparenko, Taras Stepanenko, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Andryi Yarmolenko, Roman Yaremchuk
England: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Luke Shaw, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling
Ukraine vs England Head to Head :
Ukraine and England have locked horns only seven times with four wins, 2 draws and only 1 loss. The only other major competition outing these two experienced was in the group stage of the 2012 Euros. Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game. However, the last two meetings between the sides ended in a draw.
UKR vs ENG Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Jordan Pickford (Eng)
DEF: Kyle Walker (Eng), Mykola Matvienko (Ukr), Harry Maguire (Eng), Luke Shaw (Eng)
MID: Bukayo Saka (Eng), Serhiy Sidorchuk (Ukr), Declan Rice (Eng), Oleksandr Zinchenko (Ukr)
FW: Andriy Yarmalenko (Ukr), Raheem Sterling (Eng)
Jordan Pickford kept his fourth consecutive clean sheet in the competition coming up with important saves when called for. The Everton goalkeeper kept the trust of his manager brilliantly and he led the golden glove race in becoming the only keeper left to concede a goal. The trio of Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, and firstly Harry Maguire has been sensational in keeping the guard intact for the three lions. Mykola Matvienko after starring in the backline for Ukraine and attracting foreign interest. Oleksandr Zinchenko's magnificent performance in contributing two goals for Ukraine's qualification from the last round makes him an asset to any team. Andriy Yarmalenko had a quiet game in terms of goalmouth efforts but he is in fiery form. There is nothing new to be said about Raheem Sterling who proved all his doubters wrong in this competition.
Match Prediction: Ukraine 0-2 England
The clean sheet for England will remain intact at least for the semi final stages of Euro 2020 and this time more comfortably. Ukraine had shown guts in the Sweden game, keeping themselves in it till the last but their task was made easier due to the red card and Forsberg's efforts coming off the post. Southgate men will march into the semifinals in fine fashion scoring more than one again.
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