MY ACCOUNT
England eased to a 2-0 victory over Ukraine thanks to the Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane show in the first-half at Wembley.
Kane scored his 55th England goal in the 37th minute and Saka curled in a beautiful strike only three minutes later.
It was a routine win for Gareth Southgate’s side who have had a successful international break, winning both of their opening Euro 2024 qualifying games.
England are now absent until June where they will try and continue their perfect campaign by facing Malta and North Macedonia.
Sublime Saka
As England are now building their squad to compete at the Euro’s next year, Saka has once again proved that he is one of the first names in the starting 11.
The 21-year-old is having a fantastic season with Arsenal and he took that form into this game especially — grabbing a goal and an assist in the first-half.
The cross for Kane’s goal was superb. He shifted the ball onto his left-foot, worked a yard of space and whipped in a ball that landed on to his captain’s foot.
His goal was equally as impressive — Saka once again earned himself a yard of space but this time it was to cut in and curl a wonderful strike into back of the net.
If England are to push on and win a major trophy, Saka will be at the heart and soul of it.
Jack of all trades
England’s first goal of the afternoon showcased Kane’s world-class skillset.
He received a pass with his back to goal, managed to turn and switch the ball out to Saka which made the entire Ukraine shape shift.
This allowed Kane to creep in at the back post and show the clinical side to his game. Saka put a brilliant cross into the box and the England captain tapped the ball in the back of the net.
This was the 29-year-old’s 55th goal for the Three Lions and it was a great embodiment of his ability to link-up play but also get into the right positions to score.
Maddison lively
James Maddison was rewarded with his first ever England start and despite not grabbing a goal contribution, he had a positive performance.
The 26-year-old was played out on the left-hand side, forming a front-three with Kane and Saka.
He would constantly want to receive the ball between the lines, finding pockets of space that Ukraine would find uncomfortable.
There were a couple of incidents where his final ball did let him down but that was perhaps due to his his lack of familiarity with his teammates.
However, it was still a positive performance as the Leicester midfielder was generally a lively outlet who wanted to push his side up the pitch and create chances.
Walker and Chilwell movements
Kyle Walker and Ben Chilwell were the chosen full-backs for Gareth Southgate this afternoon but they both had very different roles.
When England were in possession, Walker would shuffle to a more narrow position to form a back-three with Harry Maguire and John Stones.
Chilwell, however, would go very high and wide — effectively being England’s width on the left-hand side as Maddison would float into a more narrow position.
The intention behind this could also be safety first, as Walker’s recovery pace can protect England if they lose the ball and the opposition counter-attack.
Toney debut
In the 80th minute, Ivan Toney came on to make a deserved debut for England.
It is a fascinating situation as he has never even represented the country at youth level, testament to how quickly he has risen up the ranks.
England strikers are generally in a sorry situation as Kane’s role in the team is untenable, so they will only be afforded quick cameos to impress Southgate.
He did not conjure up anything of note but if he keeps his Premier League form up this will not be the only time he represents his country.
