England vs Ukraine: Three Lions look to solidify favourites tag

Introduction

England play their first home game of their Euro 2024 qualification campaign against Ukraine today. After an important victory in Italy to kick off their Group C campaign, the Three Lions can further solidify their tag as favourites to reach next summer’s tournament in Germany by downing the eastern Europeans at Wembley.

Ukraine’s preparation and situation

Ukraine did not play during the week as they made use of extra preparation time for their own bid to reach the Euros. Narrowly denied what would have been a morale-boosting trip to the winter’s World Cup, Ruslan Rotan’s side are still finding their feet amid the Russian invasion back home that has so severely disrupted their domestic sporting calendar.

Ukraine’s team composition

But a side that contains the likes of Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko and big-money Chelsea signing Mykhailo Mudryk will be more determined than ever to make their mark on the world stage.

Match details

England vs Ukraine is scheduled for a 5pm GMT kick-off today on Sunday, March 26, 2023. The match will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live and free-to-air on Channel 4, with coverage starting at 4pm.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the contest live for free online via the All4 website and app.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from our reporters at the ground.

Team news and injury updates

Reece James will miss the game for England after being sent back to Chelsea with an “ongoing” injury issue. Luke Shaw is suspended, leading to Ben Chilwell likely earning a runout at left-back – although Kieran Trippier cannot be discounted from starting instead. Jordan Henderson is vying to replace Kalvin Phillips after returning to full fitness. Ukraine captian Andriy Yarmolenko is a doubt due to a hamstring issue. Defenders Illya Zabarnyi and Yukhym Konoplya pulled out of the squad with injuries along with goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.

Match predictions

The Three Lions were not perfectly convincing against a ropy Italian side on Thursday night but, with home backing, should have the confidence to get another win over the line. A 2-1 win to England. Ukraine’s only win over England came in Dnipro during qualification for the 2010 World Cup, which was a dead rubber for the Three Lions.

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Credit: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/england-vs-ukraine-prediction-kick-off-time-latest-team-news-tv-live-stream-h2h-results-odds-euro-2024-qualifier-preview-b1069730.html

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