Ukraine vs England predictions ahead of this Euro 2024 qualifying clash. Can England retain their perfect record with another win over Ukraine or we see an upset in this clash? Read on for our free betting tips and predictions for Saturday’s meeting in Wroclaw.
Match Live Saturday, 9th September at 5:00 pm In:
Ukraine vs England Predictions
[wptb id=389485]
The Ukrainian Challenge Meets English Dominance
Key Stats
– England boasts of 15 goals in their qualifying campaign, leading all UEFA nations.
– Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka have collectively netted 9 goals in the qualifiers, making them England’s most potent threats.
Come Saturday, the pulse of the European football scene will rise as Group C heavyweights, Ukraine and England, face-off at the neutral venue of Stadion Wrocław in Poland. As the Ukrainian homeland battles conflicts, the squad seeks to rewrite the script of their unfortunate 2-0 defeat at Wembley half a year ago. Their journey since then has been dramatic, highlighted by an adrenaline-pumping 3-3 draw against the 2024 hosts, Germany.
Ukraine’s Ascent
Despite their rocky start with a loss to the English team, Ukraine’s comeback spirit was evident when they rose from a two-goal abyss to claim victory against North Macedonia. With the attacking prowess of Viktor Tsygankov, who not only sealed the win over Malta but was also pivotal in turning the tables against North Macedonia, Sergiy Rebrov’s men have made their intentions clear.
[wptb id=389089]
However, the looming fixture against the formidable European champions Italy might just pose a roadblock in their quest. The challenge is daunting, especially given their single loss in their past 13 European Championship qualifying fixtures, but Ukraine is all about defying odds.
England’s Ruthless Campaign
While Ukraine’s journey has been dotted with ups and downs, the English side, under the astute leadership of Gareth Southgate, has been nothing short of exemplary. The Three Lions have not only left scorched trails in their qualifying matches but also notched up an enviable 15 goals. Their 7-0 onslaught against North Macedonia was a testament to their offensive capabilities, with Bukayo Saka’s hat-trick and stellar performances by Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, and Kalvin Phillips.
This formidable force has been unbeaten in the last seven Euros qualifying matches, with a minor blemish in 2019 when they faced the Czech Republic. The track record speaks volumes, and with their last two encounters against Ukraine ending in their favour, the Three Lions will be confident.
Squad Updates
Unfortunately, the Ukrainian side will miss the services of Mykola Shaparenko and Ruslan Malinovskyi. Yet, the return of Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko brings some solace. England, too, is grappling with injuries. Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, John Stones, and Raheem Sterling won’t be featuring. However, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Bukayo Saka, and Callum Wilson fit, Southgate has enough firepower.
The Tactical Frontline
In recent matches, England’s offensive strategy seems to mirror Southgate’s belief in fluid attacking movements. Players like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Marcus Rashford exhibit quick interchanges and overlapping runs, ensuring England are a constant threat in the final third. Kane’s dual role as a goal-scorer and a deep-lying forward makes him pivotal. This approach bore fruit against North Macedonia with England putting seven past them.
On the defensive front, England have been nearly impermeable, conceding only once in the qualifiers. Their ability to press high and retrieve possession, combined with players like Harry Maguire and Marc Guehi at the back, ensures they are often untroubled.
Ukraine, meanwhile, display resilience and quick transitional play. While they may not possess the same offensive prowess as England, they compensate with a robust midfield and the likes of Viktor Tsygankov, who has shown his mettle, especially in the dramatic comeback against North Macedonia.
Defensively, Ukraine’s line-up suggests a reliance on their backline, with players like Serhiy Kryvtsov and Yukhym Konoplia proving instrumental. Their strategy against England might be to absorb pressure and exploit any spaces left by England’s high press, with quick counters.
Player Dynamics
Both teams have shining stars and potential game-changers. For England, Kane’s leadership upfront, Rashford’s pace, and Saka’s versatility are vital assets. Bukayo Saka, recently named England’s Player of the Year, embodies the Three Lions’ current ethos – young, dynamic, and fearless.
Ukraine’s hopes might rest on Tsygankov’s shoulders, given his recent form. With stalwarts like Mykola Shaparenko and Ruslan Malinovskyi missing, the weight of responsibility also falls on seasoned players like Andriy Yarmolenko.
The Management’s Influence
Southgate’s impact on England has been transformative. His faith in youth, combined with a tactical acumen, has made England both exciting to watch and effective. Their style of play, transitioning from a cautious approach in Euro 2020 to a more assertive one, mirrors Southgate’s evolving vision.
Rebrov’s Ukraine, on the other hand, seem to be a team rediscovering their identity, especially post their loss to England. The resilience they’ve shown, particularly in the comeback against North Macedonia, is indicative of Rebrov’s influence.
Comparative Gaze
Tactically, while England focus on fluidity in attack and solidity in defence, Ukraine’s strategy leans more towards caution, with sporadic bursts of aggressive pressing. England’s success in this campaign has dwarfed Ukraine’s, with the Three Lions boasting a perfect record and a staggering goal difference.
The respective absences for both teams, particularly England’s missing first-team stars like Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling, could play a pivotal role. This might bring the teams closer in terms of on-field balance.
Areas of Improvement and Game Dynamics
England’s nearly faultless campaign suggests minor tweaks rather than overhauls. Yet, they should avoid complacency. Against a team like Ukraine, lapses in concentration could be costly.
Ukraine, on the other hand, need to enhance their offensive play, ensuring they aren’t overly reliant on counterattacks. Their midfield has to stifle England’s playmakers, denying them space and time.
Predictions
1. Match Outcome Prediction: A Draw for the Underdogs
In recent clashes, England have been the dominant force against Ukraine. They’ve been on an incredible run, sweeping aside every team that has stood in their way. With a scintillating 15 goals in their last four matches in this competition, their attack is a force to be reckoned with. However, football is not played on paper, and Ukraine’s recent resurgence should not be overlooked.
Ukraine’s 3-2 comeback against North Macedonia and the 1-0 win over Malta showcase their grit and determination. Despite their loss to England six months ago, they’ve improved remarkably and have the potential to be a tough opposition for the Three Lions. With the game being played on neutral ground due to unavoidable circumstances, the field is levelled, and Ukraine might just have a slight psychological edge with their desire to give their fans a glimmer of hope during tough times.
In light of this, predicting a draw seems not only daring but also plausible. England are undeniably strong, but Ukraine’s recent spirit and determination may just hold the Three Lions at bay.
2. Correct Score Prediction: A 2-2 Stalemate
Analysing the previous encounters and current form, a high-scoring affair is in the offing. England’s attacking prowess, with 15 goals in their last 4 Euro 2024 qualifiers, suggests they can find the back of the net multiple times. However, Ukraine’s attacking form, showcased in their recent matches, suggests they aren’t far behind.
With England’s defensive record of conceding just once in their last four qualifiers, a 2-2 scoreline might seem a bit adventurous. However, given the high stakes of the game and the fierce competitiveness between the two teams, both sides are likely to give it their all. A 2-2 draw not only represents a balance of power but also the unpredictable nature of football.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Harry Kane to Shine
Harry Kane’s record speaks for itself. The Tottenham talisman has been pivotal for England, netting 5 goals in this qualifying campaign, only one less than the top scorer, Bukayo Saka. With his lethal finishing, he can turn half-chances into goals, making him a constant menace for any defence.
Given Ukraine’s defensive vulnerabilities, where they’ve conceded 4 goals in 3 matches, there’s a high likelihood of Kane exploiting these gaps. Moreover, with some key defensive stalwarts for Ukraine missing out on this fixture, Kane might find it a tad easier to navigate through their defence.
While predicting the first goal scorer can be tricky, if there’s one player who has consistently proven to rise to the occasion, it’s Harry Kane. His current form and past record against Ukraine, where he has already scored, make him the prime candidate to find the back of the net once again.
[wptb id=389485]
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
[wptb id=389092]
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
