England beat Ukraine 2-0 to maintain perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying
Gareth Southgate's side made it two wins from two in Group C as they saw off the challenge of Ukraine at Wembley
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane moved England top of the group and maintained their perfect start to qualifying
England maintained their perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying as they beat Ukraine 2-0 at Wembley on Saturday. Gareth Southgate's side made it two wins from two in Group C as they saw off the challenge of Ukraine, who were making their first competitive appearance since the start of the war in their country.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring for England in the first half, with Harry Kane adding a second after the break. The result means that England are top of the group with six points from their two games, while Ukraine are bottom with zero points.
The victory was a welcome boost for Southgate, who has come under pressure in recent months following a poor run of results. It also gave England fans a much-needed lift after the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.
Southgate made two changes to the team that beat North Macedonia 4-0 on Tuesday, with Saka and Jude Bellingham coming in for Phil Foden and Mason Mount. Ukraine, meanwhile, were without their captain Andriy Yarmolenko, who was injured in training.
The game started at a lively pace, with both teams looking to attack. England had the first chance of the game when Kane was played through on goal, but he fired wide. Ukraine then had a great chance to take the lead when Artem Dovbyk found himself in space in the England box, but he headed wide.
England took the lead in the 35th minute when Saka curled a shot into the top corner from the edge of the area. It was a brilliant goal from the Arsenal winger, who has been in excellent form for club and country in recent months.
Ukraine came out fighting in the second half and had a number of chances to equalize. However, England defended resolutely and Kane made sure of the points in the 69th minute when he headed home from a corner.
The victory was a deserved one for England, who were the better team on the night. They will now look to continue their winning start to qualifying when they face Italy in their next game.
Conclusion
England's victory over Ukraine was a significant moment for Gareth Southgate and his team. It was their first competitive win since the World Cup and it gave them a much-needed boost in confidence. The Three Lions will now be looking to continue their winning start to qualifying when they face Italy in their next game.
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