European Championships 2020
Saturday 3rd July 2021
Kick off at 8pm BST
Venue: Stadio Olimpico
Match Preview:
Ukraine have been designated the ‘home’ side but this game is in Rome at the infamous Stadio Olimpico, the site where England lost to penalties against Germany in the 1990 World Cup semi-final.
Once more there is anticipation and hope that England can end a barren spell of 55 years without a major tournament and Euro 2020 does seem to be opening up for Gareth Southgate’s side.
England were magnificent as they knocked out Germany by 2-0 in the round of 16. Though England have beaten Germany on a few occasions, that match marked the first time England had knocked out Germany from a tournament since the 1966 World Cup final. England looked good for their win too, though Germany had chances to score and Thomas Muller will be wondering for many years how he didn’t convert his chance when his side were 1-0 down.
As for England they defended well and in goal Jordan Pickford has arguably been the star of the side making world class saves, but he also has an air of confidence about him not seen since the days of Paul Gascoigne. Raheem Sterling who endured a difficult season with Manchester City has been on fire for the national side and he scored against Germany. Harry Kane has been under pressure to get goals and he ended his run by getting the 2nd goal. For all the criticism Kane has had to endure it was worth nothing that the Tottenham striker has been involved in 3 of England’s four goals so far.
One has to wonder if Southgate will start Jack Grealish for this game? The Aston Villa play maker has looked electric and energetic in the limited time he has been given. England are odds on to win this game and are the favourites in many people’s minds, pundits and fans alike, but Southgate will be wary, that Iceland game will be on everyone’s thoughts and you simply cannot write off any teams at this stage of the competition.
Ukraine will be delighted to have reached the quarter finals after they started the tournament with defeat against the Netherlands, yet whilst the Oranje have long departed Ukraine remain. The national side do not have a great record at the major tournaments and coach Andriy Shevchenko will be hailed a hero (he already was as a player) even if Ukraine were to exit at this stage. In reality not many believed that Ukraine would go this far in the tournament.
In the round of 16 Ukraine were unfancied again when they took on Sweden but after extra time they were able to beat them 2-1. It took a 120th minute goal from Artem Dovbyk to seal victory. But Ukraine have an attacking intent that’s the nature of the beast when your coach is Shevchenko and it has been refreshing to see.
Team News:
Ukraine: There are no injury worries for the nation and really it is all about if Shevchenko changes formation. Lately he has preferred to play 3 at the back which has worked out and he may stick with that for this encounter.
England: There are no injuries concerns it is a matter of if Soutgate starts the team that beat Germany. Grealish may or may not start but we should expect near enough the same line up.
Ukraine vs England Head to Head:
The nations have only played each other seven times and Ukraine has just 1 victory which happened back in 2009 in a 1-0 win in World Cup qualifying.
The last time the teams met was in 2013 and that game finished 0-0. Indeed the last two meetings have ended in draws.
3 of the last four meetings has seen under 1.5 goals.
The teams have played at the Euro’s in Euro 2012 and England won 1-0.
Ukraine vs England Prediction:
Ukraine are a huge price to win this around 9.00 and that seems like great value in a two horse race. Of course England have the stronger squad but we have seen a few surprises already in these championships.
England have to be respected because we have seen how Southgate’s team can suddenly turn it on attacking wise and they should have plenty of the ball. In defence England arguably have the best in Europe right now collectively and that is being proven, though the back four also have Pickford in goal to thank.
Ukraine have to give it everything, and just coming in as a neutral you wouldn’t want to see them give up so easily. This shouldn’t be the case given there is a semi-final around the corner which make no mistake would be historic for either nation. But with defence being so tight and up front boasting a lot of class and confidence it is difficult to see past England not winning this game. Their odds are not attractive so let’s look into some other markets.
Ukraine vs England Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (-1 England ) at 1.70
First goalscorer: Harry Kane at 4.00
Highest Scoring Half: 2nd half at 2.10
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