Ukraine will face England in the final quarter-final of Euro 2020 on Saturday night and are fighting for a place in the last four of the tournament in Rome.
The Three Lions booked their place in the meeting with a historic 2-0 victory over Germany at Wembley and beat Die Mannschaft in a major tournament knockout game for the first time since 1966. Gareth Southgate’s side has shown great metal in the competition so far, it remains the only team that has not conceded a goal.
Ukraine has reached this stage of the competition in a somewhat more dramatic way. Andriy Shevchenko’s side scraped through to the knockout stage as a third placed team before beating Sweden in the round of 16 with permission from Artem Dovbyk’s header in the last minute of extra time and sealed a famous 2-1 victory.
They are facing a very tough perspective over the last eight, and this is the side that can start the match on Saturday.
18-year-old Illya Zabarnyi / LEE SMITH / Getty Images
George Buschan (GK) – Has so far conceded six goals at Euro 2020 but has mostly seen awake and commanding between the sticks. Will definitely keep its place.Ilya Zabarnyi (CB) – Shevchenko was able to continue with three at the back, which would mean a new look to the right of the back line for 18-year-old Zabarnyi. Fantastically composed and aware of what is happening around him – one for the future.Sergiy Kryvtsov (CB) – Not so fresh, but was a real leader in the heart of the defense against Sweden. Should continue in the lineup to secure things against England’s attack.Mykola Matviyenko (CB) – A tough defender to get over with his pace and ability to read the game. He may be in a tough time against England’s floating attack, but he will back himself up.
Oleksandr Zinchenko was brilliant against Ukraine / Ian MacNicol / Getty Images
Oleksandr Karavaev (RWB) – Crucial to Ukraine’s attack in this system. Played a big part in their first goal against Sweden and will be the key against England as well.
Serhiy Sydorchuk (CM) – A good screen to the back line and be able to take possession of deep areas with calm – the key to Shevchenko’s side.Taras Stepanenko (CM) – Stepanenko was one of the oldest players in the squad, and proved to be a safe presence under pressure last time – should definitely keep his place in midfield. Oleksandr Zinchenko (LWB) – Was fantastic against Sweden and contributed enormously at both ends of the field. One of Ukraine’s biggest threats and already a presence in just 24 years.
Andriy Yarmolenko is constantly chasing records for Ukraine / Justin Setterfield / Getty Images
Andriy Yarmolenko (RW) – The biggest danger man in the side. Unpredictable, direct and threatening to track in the final third, he is another beast on international service and will look for his 43rd Ukrainian goal on Saturday – he is just six behind all-time top scorer and current boss Shevchenko.Roman Yaremchuk (ST) – A handful for central defenders and has throughout the tournament shown how excellent his connecting play is.
Mykola Shaparenko (LW) – Another bright young perspective in this squad, Shaparenko will float around aiming to find pockets with space between the lines. His vision is fantastic and he can take apart a defense with a pass. England’s midfield must be careful.
