ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS: Kyle Walker impresses on a landmark night as he nets his FIRST
ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS: Kyle Walker impresses on a landmark night as he nets his FIRST England goal on his 77th cap… but Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire struggle after their controversial call-ups
England lost their winning record in Euro 2024 qualifying after a 1-1 draw to Ukraine on Saturday evening.
Oleksandr Zinchenko got the hosts off to a flying start in the first half before his former Man City teammate Kyle Walker netted an equaliser for England.
The goal was Walker’s first for his country, and it came in his 77th appearance for the national team.
With Gareth Southgate facing controversy when deciding to call up Harry Maguire, who has struggled for game time at Manchester United this season, and Jordan Henderson, the pair had a point to prove.
However, a fairly underwhelming performance followed as Mail Sport’s Sami Mokbel gives their player ratings from the showpiece.
Oleksandr Zinchenko got the hosts off to a flying start with a goal in the first half
However, Kyle Walker pulled England level before the break with his first goal for his country
England struggled to break Ukraine down in the second half and came away with a point
England (4-3-3)
Had very little to do apart from pick the ball out of the net. His distribution was solid, as ever.
Kyle Walker (Man City) 7
Landmark night for the defender as he scored his first international goal on his 77th appearance. Recovery pace was key feature in defence.
Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) 7
Looks comfortable at this level and was the pick of England’s centre-backs. Deserves more opportunities.
Harry Maguire (Manchester United) 5.5
Continues to be a key player for England but he is under big pressure to keep his place now. Looked rusty. Booked.
Ben Chilwell (Chelsea) 5.5
A more than willing runner going forward but Ukraine exploited the space behind him to good effect.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) 7
An off night for the wonderkid. Tried to overdo it at times when he should have kept things simple. Substituted.
Declan Rice (Arsenal) 7
Composed and driven in England’s engine room. No doubting his place now as one of England’s most important players.
Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq) 5.5
Appeared to be a yard off the pace, especially in the first half. Would have been relieved that the threat of protest against him didn’t happen.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) 6.5
A quiet opening 45 minutes when his movement appeared restricted following a heavy challenge but burst into life after the break.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) 7
What. A. Pass. Ukraine just stood off the England captain – and he took full advantage with an unerring ball to set-up Walker’s leveller.
James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur) 6
Another start for the Tottenham attacker but couldn’t fully grasp his opportunity before being substituted. Booked.
Jude Bellingham struggled to make an impact before being substituted
Harry Kane showed his class with a brilliant assist for Walkers’ equaliser in the first half
Gareth Southgate (England) 6
His team stuttered here but he’ll have been encouraged by the character after falling behind. England won’t win the Euros by playing like this, though.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford 6.5
Phil Foden 6
Conor Gallagher N/A
Ukrane (4-2-3-1)
Heorhiy Bushchan 6.5
Yukhym Konoplya 7
Illia Zabarnyi 7
Mykola Matviyenko 6
Vitalii Mykolenko 6
Oleksandr Zinchenko 7
Taras Stepanenko 6.5
Viktor Tsyhankov 6.5
Sudakov 6.5
Mudryk 5.5
Yaremchuk 6
Zinchenko was the pick of the bunch after scoring the opening goal of the match
Ukraine held on for a valuable point as they sit in second behind England in the group
Substitutes:
Serhiy Kryvtsov 6
Serhiy Sydorchuk 6.5
Vitaliy Buyalskyi N/A
Yehor Nazaryna N/A
Artem Dovbyk N/A
Serhiy Rebrov: 6.5
Referee: Georgi Kabakov 6
