Ukraine 0-4 England
Led by captain Harry Kane, England came, they saw, and they conquered Ukraine 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, who had played quite conservatively for the first four games of the tournament, finally roared to life in attack in their quarter-final against an overmatched Ukraine side.
After breaking his tournament duck against Germany, Kane bagged a brace – including an early goal to send England well on their way – while Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson both scored with terrific headers in the second half to seal the famous victory.
The Euro 2020 betting odds are very much in England’s favour now as they come back home to play at Wembley for the semi-finals against Denmark.
Highlights of the game
Southgate, who has consistently changed up his starting lineup in this tournament, made massive Euro 2020 news with his decision to start incoming Manchester United star Jadon Sancho over Jack Grealish, who has impressed in his role as an impact sub.
Mason Mount, back after a period of self-isolation, also made his return to the first XI as Southgate set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which seemed to signal his intent to take the game to Ukraine. And that attacking intent paid off instantly as England took the lead after just four minutes.
Sterling and Kane, the two matchwinners against Germany, combined expertly as the England skipper – brimming with confidence after getting his first goal of the tournament – slid in and slotted past Ukraine keeper Heorhiy Bushchan.
However, England’s great start was almost undone as Kyle Walker’s mistake gave Ukraine the opening for their first big chance on 17 minutes. Roman Yaremchuk ran at the England defence and got a decent shot away, but Jordan Pickford had his near post well-covered and parried the ball away for a corner.
But aside from that miscue, England were in control for most of the first half. They came close to doubling their advantage through Declan Rice, whose thunderous right-footed strike forced a fine save from Bushchan.
Sancho, who justified his start with a lively first half, then had a good chance on 40 minutes after a great setup by new Man United teammate Luke Shaw, but the incoming Red Devil’s shot on turn was straight at Bushchan.
Ukraine made a valiant push late in the first half, although England’s excellent defence prevented them from stealing an equaliser heading into half-time.
And England would effectively seal the win with two quick goals within the first five minutes of the second half – both set up by Luke Shaw.
First, Shaw’s pinpoint free kick found another Man United teammate in Harry Maguire, who headed the ball past Bushchan. Then, Shaw supplied another terrific cross for Kane, who also headed in from a similar spot where he got his goal against Germany.
Bushchan denied Kane from completing his hat-trick by pushing his sensational volley away for a corner. But England would get their fourth goal on that ensuing corner through Jordan Henderson, who had just come on to replace Rice.
The Liverpool skipper took advantage of more lax Ukrainian set-piece defending as he went up unmarked to head Mason Mount’s cross right into the bottom corner for his first-ever goal for his country.
The remainder of the match was a mere formality at that point as England fans in Rome spent the final half-hour singing and celebrating their long-awaited return to the European Championship semi-finals.
Key statistics
SBOTOP had predicted another low-scoring affair involving England. But a combination of clinical England finishing – four goals from just 10 shots, with six on target – and subpar Ukraine defending saw as many goals as the England’s first four Euro 2020 matches combined.
Sterling was unable to add to his tally of three goals, but he did add an assist. And speaking of assists, Luke Shaw is suddenly the team’s leader in assists with three in his last two games.
But perhaps the statistic Southgate will appreciate the most is the fact that England kept their seventh consecutive clean sheet and their 10th in the last 11 games. Jordan Pickford’s five clean sheets is already a tournament record for a single Euro.
What’s next?
After conquering Ukraine in Rome, England are now coming back home for the semi-finals, with a terrific chance to make it to the final as well. The Three Lions will have a significant home advantage when they play Denmark at Wembley.
The English seem to be peaking at the right time, with their star players finding their best form. Moreover, Southgate is spoilt for choice with his squad’s immense strength in depth, with no major injury concerns to deal with.
Southgate has made all the right moves thus far in this tournament, and he will need to plan wisely once again to end Denmark’s amazing fairytale run.
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