The Three Lions can not let themselves get carried away after a victory over Germany. There is a long winding road ahead to the final and Ukraine has been awaiting at the quarter final stage. Andrey Shevchenko’s side will have no burden here. This would help them play better as well as an alarming threat for Harry Kane and Co. The game is bound to be held in Olimpico Stadium, Roma.
Both teams’ previous games
England managed to clinch a historic 2-0 win over their archrival, Germany. Raheem Sterling once again scored and Harry Kane’s header doubled their lead. It was their third victory against Die Mannschaft in the major tournament after World Cup 1966 and EURO 2000.
Ukraine was able to go through quarter final after eliminating Sweden 2-1 after extra time. Olexander Zinchenko opened the score sheet but Emile Forsberg equalised as he bagged his fourth goals. Their winning goal was scored by Artem Dovbyk.
Possible tactic
Gareth Southgate is likely to keep his 3-4-2-1 formation. Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish or Mason Mount shall be picked in the starting XI to feature the front three. Unfortunately, Kieran Trippier and Declan Rice are doubtful due to their injuries. Reece James and Jordan Henderson should get a nod for covering their absence.
Andrey Shevchenko might still be employing 4-3-3 with the transition to 3-5-2 again just like in the previous outing. Yet, some of their key men could miss out this fixture due to their injuries. Those are Andrey Yarmolenko, Olexander Zubkov and Artem Besedin. The front two roles shall be occupied by Roman Yaremchuk and the winning goal scorer against Sweden Artem Dovbyk. Manchester City man Olexander Zinchenko can be pushed forward as a winger
Players to watch
Raheem Sterling’s season in Etihad might be rather bleak lately but he is the current top scorer in this tournament after being scoreless in World Cup 2018. He has bagged three goals so far. Some other notable figures to watch are Jack Grealish who has made two assists and Harry Maguire.
His versatile teammate in Manchester City, Olexander Zinchenko is definitely one of the key figures in Ukraine. He has contributed one goal and assist so far. Another vital name to watch here is Roman Yaremchuk with two goals and one assist.
England vs Ukraine Prediction
Gareth Southgate’s men must be careful with the collective attack from this Eastern Europe team. Their boss Andrey Shevchenko might have certain mission to avenge their loss in both sides’s last encounter in the final match of the group stage in EURO 2012 when they played host. A loss from England from Wayne Rooney’s controversial goal could motivate them to retaliate here. The fact that England will be playing on the road could be something to consider. Nevertheless, The Three Lions shall come out as a winner in the end.
Betting odds
The punters still have faith in England by putting them as the favorite with the odds to win at 4/9. The draw result is at the value of 18/5, whereas Ukraine is only priced to win at 9/1.
