Izuchukwu Okosi
England were held to a 1-1 draw by home side Ukraine Saturday evening in a Group C game as both nations battle for a place at the Euro 2024 Championship in Germany.
England saw their winning streak in the qualification campaign to the Euro 2024 showpiece come to an end after the stalemate albeit they are still six points adrift of the Ukrainians.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelUkraine were backed by 40,000 loud fans in the Tarczynski Arena, giving the game the fervent feel of a home fixture despite the hosts being unable to play in their own country because of the war with Russia.
Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko put Ukraine ahead after 26 minutes when he turned in a cross from Yukhym Konoplya.
Bayern Munich new signing Harry Kane was instrumental in the equaliser by the Three Lions four minutes before half-time as he delivered a weighted pass to right back Kyle Walker to finish.
The strike was Walker’s first international goal on his 77th appearance.
Gareth Southgate’s side had the better of the second half, going close when Anglo-Nigerian Bukayo Saka’s shot was turned on to the bar by the slightest touch from Ukraine keeper Georgiy Bushchan.
Nigerian-born England international duo of Eberechi Eze and Fikayo Tomori were unused substitutes in the game.
England are still firmly on course to qualify from Group C for next summer’s Euros in Germany, but Saturday’s display was a lacklustre performance.
Harry Kane’s goalscoring importance for England is proved by his status as the country’s record marksman, but his development into the complete player cannot be under-estimated.
Gareth Southgate’s side will head to Glasgow for Tuesday’s friendly against Scotland.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
