Ukraine v England....Match Thread

With Saka injured and Foden on a yellow Southgate decides to start with Sancho.

England: Pickford, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Shaw, Phillips, Rice, Sancho, Mount, Sterling, Kane.

Subs: Grealish, Henderson, Rashford, Trippier, Mings, Coady, Calvert-Lewin, Foden, Chilwell, Bellingham, Ramsdale, Johnstone.

Maguire first scorer, england to win 🤞

England 2-0
Kane

England to win by 2+goals. Losing this would be on par with losing to Iceland at the last Euros.

I have a feeling tonight could be a tough watch. Perversely, I think not playing at Wembley tonight could be an advantage, patience will be key.

I’m not expecting England to come flying out of the blocks. Ukraine have had to overcome an attritional 120 (more like 130) minutes against Sweden to get this far, and they will be wary of our defensive record so far - going behind against this England side is a tough place to come back from. I can’t see Ukraine having the energy to press high up the pitch, so they will defend deep, deep, deep. We’ve absolutely got the quality to pick that lock, but I’m not expecting it to come quickly or easily.

We’ll get through this, but people shouldn’t be despondent if it it isn’t a classic. It takes two to tango and Ukraine, who are no mugs if not exactly world beaters, won’t want that.

Everybody has been Gilmouring about Phillips, and particularly Rice, during the days since the Germany match. I didn’t think they were that good. Havertz was able to find space between the midfield and defence and Ukraine do have players on the bench that can exploit that if we start to panic in the latter stages.

I’m expecting this to be tight.

Ukraine will have possession and we won’t be able to press for long periods in warmer conditions.

Andriy Shevchenko is beginning to look a bit like Steve Coogan impersonating a Ukrainian football manager

Get in....Kane

Is it me or is the pitch not playing all that greatly? the ball seems to be running quite slowly on it, I appreciate the tempo is not great with the hot conditions but I think part of it is down to the pitch also.

Yes the game seems to be playing slow, we need another goal.

Sancho should have finished that chance after Shaw's break. Other than that, I can only remember Rice's blockbuster shot as a chance (did miss a couple of minutes here and there, however). Slightly sub-par for the last 20 minutes or so, but otherwise typical Southgate-ball so far.

I have to say, I've never been that impressed with Sancho playing for England. Lots of skill obviously, but a bit lacking in effort at times. I now need him to prove me wrong in the second half...

Quoted from Maringer

Sancho should have finished that chance after Shaw's break. Other than that, I can only remember Rice's blockbuster shot as a chance (did miss a couple of minutes here and there, however). Slightly sub-par for the last 20 minutes or so, but otherwise typical Southgate-ball so far.

I have to say, I've never been that impressed with Sancho playing for England. Lots of skill obviously, but a bit lacking in effort at times. I now need him to prove me wrong in the second half...

Did you drink or spill the part of your drink that left your glass half empty? 🤦🏻‍♂️

Need to up the intensity as Ukraine got on top towards the end and it was noticeable how high their full backs were getting compared to ours (more Walker who seems to offer nothing go forwards anymore).

Get in.....Harry Maguire....great ball in by Shaw  

0-2 England

Gett innn let's finish them and get a third

Now take the yellow carded players off

It's coming home.

Two fantastic crosses, two goals. Football's dead simple, innit?

Quoted from zorro_is_a_Mariner

Gett innn let's finish them and get a third

As asked for.  

Henderson get his first goal for England  

0-4

Told you it would be tight!! 😀

I know England keep winning and keeping clean sheets but........ erm....... give me a minute......

Well roger me with a moist cactus, never expected that!!
Is it? Is it coming?

I reckon we could put Parslow on and still win this 😉
It’s coming home
UTM

Natural fireworks going off here in Cleethorpes celebrating the performance  

Come on Engerland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Abdul nearly got his 5 - 0, well done England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

That was easy bring on the Danes !!!

Quoted from promotion plaice

Natural fireworks going off here in Cleethorpes celebrating the performance  

Very atmospheric with the lightning flashing through the window behind the TV.

Very good second half with a couple of great crosses from Shaw for those goals. I don't think he's great as wing-back, but he's a good full-back when he's fit and on form. We've looked so, so much better since Maguire returned to the team, as much for his passing out from the back as anything, so he could end up being the most important player for us this tournament.

What weird times we live in. Back to back semis in major tournaments. For England.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Abdul nearly got his 5 - 0, well done England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

TBH Herts I was pleased it didn't finish 5-0, as I forgot to stick a quid on  

But yeah, a refreshing change to see us cruise through without worry. Onto Wednesday  

Quoted from LH

What weird times we live in. Back to back semis in major tournaments. For England.

Glory supporter 😏

Credit to Southgate for playing Phillip's, Rice etc not superstars but there to do a job for the team.

Never mind creosoting his fence, Alan Shearer’s going to creosote something else if we win this.

I haven’t seen him this animated since he got whittled.

Fair play to Southgate he got everything right tonight massive well done.

These post match interviews showing again how different this new England culture is. Focus entirely on the few days up to the game recovering, training and getting themselves prepared for Wednesday. No signs of worry, panic or over confidence.


No such thing as an England glory supporter!

Think he’ll go back to 3-4-3 vs Denmark. The Danes looked knackered out in Baku and are carrying knocks (Kjær, Christensen, Mæhle).

I thought the Ukraine were a credit to football tonight. They kept on playing and never got nasty like so many other European teams do when they are losing.
But well done England.

Never have I seen such an accomplished performance in a tournament as I have tonight.

We look solid and we’ve started scoring now…

Naturally, we have caution but we really have nothing to fear…

Excellent evening.

Kane back to his best.

Sterling, who I am his biggest critic, had his best game of the tournament

Sancho,  not seen much of him before tonight but very impressed

Shaw, top quality tonight

Maguire. Solid as a rock since he has come in.

Stones, special mention, been quiet, which is what you want from a centre half. Always had the potential of a massive mistake in him but has been exceptional all tournament.

Long may it continue, but if we lose in the semi then I reserve the right to slag them off and call them all Shiite

C’MON ENGLAND

Oh, and UTFM

I'm the one with the large ears 5 of 45 having a selfie...

https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/gallery/-pictures-grimsby-england-fans-5607770

Very relaxing second half. You look at some of the other teams suffering with fatigue, injuries etc yet we have players getting fitter! Whatever starting 11 we go with, our attacking options on the bench are unbelievable.

Four nil to Marxism eh? 😎 England look like they have an absolute unit of a team, no relying on one or two key players, no 'golden generation' claims, just a cracking team and squad across the pitch. It may have just been Ukraine but in previous years they would've nervously beat Ukraine 1-0. England and Italy have undoubtedly been the best sides of the tournament so hopefully they'll both reach the final and it'll be a classic.

That was a stress free night of football.  I dont think we are used to that.  Very impressive.   Denmark could be a tough one but just imagine 3 weeks ago someone offering England this situatiom.

I have to say Italy look pretty amazing though!  Chielini is a player anyone would want on their team....

I’m loving being proved wrong. Never thought we’d get this far. The draw’s been kind but we still had to beat the Germans. That’s a massive monkey off our backs.

As others have said, that was the most stress free England performance in a tournament since……I can’t think of one.

Thoroughly professional. Great opportunity to rest players once the game was safe. Ref was good again. Opposition were sporting. Nice touch by Shevchenko hugging Kane at the end. Glad they got two rounds further than their fence shifting neighbours.

Massive plaudits to Southgate. He’s been handed a squad with bags of talent but he’s got them in a good space mentally.

Quoted from LH

These post match interviews showing again how different this new England culture is. Focus entirely on the few days up to the game recovering, training and getting themselves prepared for Wednesday. No signs of worry, panic or over confidence.


No such thing as an England glory supporter!

Professionalism

Quoted from bawarmy

I thought the Ukraine were a credit to football tonight. They kept on playing and never got nasty like so many other European teams do when they are losing.
But well done England.

👍

Very professional performance. Very clever tactical substitutes made at the right time. Massive well done to Gareth and the team.

The best thing is we genuinely didn't look like we got out of 2nd gear for 3/4 of the game. Denmark looked tired in their game, we looked fit and healthy. Come on boys!!!!

It’s weird because if we say it it seems arrogant but I’d imagine that aside from an Italian you’d probably say we are the best team in it.

Last night was a statement win too after critics said we were turgid and stale; there was a confidence and self belief about the way we played. We resemble a club side, it seems close knit and everyone has their place. Henderson comes on and scored but knows he probably won’t start in the week, Sancho has been sat in the wings, so called experts and fans alike claiming he should’ve been playing all along…plays last night and has direct impact. Sterling, heavily criticised yet performs consistently for England.

Impossible to find a real negative from last night, I’m sure the players and coaches will but again, as a fan that’s a positive. We’re professional and go about our business the right way.

We have a great chance, we may lose to Denmark, it’s knock out football but we all know that if we do it’ll be by some luck handed to the Danes or from a mistake, I don’t believe there’s a truly bad performance in us unlike before…

There’s a distinct lack of egotism too which is a pleasant surprise; Kane has every right to be arrogant but he isn’t. It’s refreshing in some ways…

Quoted from aldi_01

It’s weird because if we say it it seems arrogant but I’d imagine that aside from an Italian you’d probably say we are the best team in it.

We have a great chance, we may lose to Denmark, it’s knock out football but we all know that if we do it’ll be by some luck handed to the Danes or from a mistake, I don’t believe there’s a truly bad performance in us unlike before……

I still would say the best performance Ive seen so far was when the Italians beat the Belgium's in the Quarter finals .Belgium's team was quality and especially that young lad Doku who put in a electrifying performance. Arguably gave the best personal performance of the tournament so far. Pace and skill alongside drive and passion.

Footballs a funny old game and anything can happen as they say. I think the Danes will put in robust performance against England but England will get over the line. Having said that look at what happened to France against Switzerland. That French team was littered with talent and had the best squad on paper in the tournament but got knocked out by a traditionally not one of the big sides.

Quoted from bawarmy

I thought the Ukraine were a credit to football tonight. They kept on playing and never got nasty like so many other European teams do when they are losing.
But well done England.

I tip my hat to them also.  No diving or feigning injury.  Obviously no good when you're losing but I know teams would have played that came from the off to stop the flow and frustrate.

Quoted from bawarmy

I thought the Ukraine were a credit to football tonight. They kept on playing and never got nasty like so many other European teams do when they are losing.
But well done England.

Absolutely!

Nice touch by the ref too, who blew the whistle at 90 mins to put Ukraine out of their misery.

Could have added a few mins for stoppages, substitutions etc.

Quoted from Rick12

I still would say the best performance Ive seen so far was when the Italians beat the Belgium's in the Quarter finals .Belgium's team was quality and especially that young lad Doku who put in a electrifying performance. Arguably gave the best personal performance of the tournament so far. Pace and skill alongside drive and passion.

Footballs a funny old game and anything can happen as they say. I think the Danes will put in robust performance against England but England will get over the line. Having said that look at what happened to France against Switzerland. That French team was littered with talent and had the best squad on paper in the tournament but got knocked out by a traditionally not one of the big sides.

I don’t disagree, that performance was excellent but across the whole tournament we’ve arguably been the best side. That Belgium side is littered with talent but people have been saying they’ll win something for about 4 tournaments now and still nothing…

The french were their own downfall to some extent, arrogance crept in and complacency, two things I don’t see in England.

The Danes will be robust but in all honesty, whilst they could easily beat us and it’s knock out football, that game against the Czechs was pretty poor…

Every team has their limit and it was clear that both Sweden and Ukraine were on their knees by the end of their game.

At some point England are going to concede. Whether or not that is this coming week remains to be seen but Sterling is on form and Kane has finally got his tournament goals.

Whatever 11 Southgate goes with they will have a Wembley crowd behind them and unbelievable options on the bench.

Quoted from ginnywings

Absolutely!

Nice touch by the ref too, who blew the whistle at 90 mins to put Ukraine out of their misery.

Could have added a few mins for stoppages, substitutions etc.

I thought the opposite actually. Ukraine were about to make 3 subs. Not sure who they were but could have been their only opportunity to play in a game at the euro’s, a debut, or a lower league team that might have benefited from a few grand in the bank as part of a contract agreement 🙂

Quoted from aldi_01

I don’t disagree, that performance was excellent but across the whole tournament we’ve arguably been the best side. That Belgium side is littered with talent but people have been saying they’ll win something for about 4 tournaments now and still nothing…

The french were their own downfall to some extent, arrogance crept in and complacency, two things I don’t see in England.

The Danes will be robust but in all honesty, whilst they could easily beat us and it’s knock out football, that game against the Czechs was pretty poor…

Not sure we’ve been the best side. But its the best chance we’ve had of winning it for a long long time

Quoted from Posh Harry

I thought the opposite actually. Ukraine were about to make 3 subs. Not sure who they were but could have been their only opportunity to play in a game at the euro’s, a debut, or a lower league team that might have benefited from a few grand in the bank as part of a contract agreement 🙂

I agree there must have been at least 5 mins added time, Should a ref blow early unless a players head has dropped off or they cant keep the crowd off the pitch. One of the lads about to come on was an 18 yr old making his debut, he must be gutted due to a ref making up the rules as he goes along.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

At some point England are going to concede. Whether or not that is this coming week remains to be seen but Sterling is on form and Kane has finally got his tournament goals.

Whatever 11 Southgate goes with they will have a Wembley crowd behind them and unbelievable options on the bench.

There is a chance that England could go the tournament without conceding. I don't think it's been done before and records are there to be broken.

Quoted from Rick12

There is a chance that England could go the tournament without conceding. I don't think it's been done before and records are there to be broken.

I think we took the record last night!

The sad thing is that although we were v efficient and have kept clean sheets scored 4 goals I still found it an absolute borefest. It will be fantastic if we win it but will I be awake to see it who knows,

Me too, hate watching my team score four and win comfortably.

I’d happily see you get two more good sleeps Madeley if we win the tournament.

Fucking hell Richard, you're a tough crowd  

Quoted from bawarmy

I thought the Ukraine were a credit to football tonight. They kept on playing and never got nasty like so many other European teams do when they are losing.
But well done England.

Might be controversial but I disagree. They left the tournament without even a whimper. Thought Shevchenko would have made 3/4 subs after about 55/60 mins. There are ways of losing a game and, for me, that wasn't a good way,  if you were Ukrainian.

Quoted from Madeleymariner

The sad thing is that although we were v efficient and have kept clean sheets scored 4 goals I still found it an absolute borefest. It will be fantastic if we win it but will I be awake to see it who knows,

Best keep away from Blundell Park then  

Good to see the manager has learned lessons. Build the side on a tough centre with Phillips and Rice to protect the back four. It gives a flexibility that is hard to combat.

You can only beat what’s in front of you but Denmark will be a definite step up and if they score first it could be another game altogether.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

You can only beat what’s in front of you but Denmark will be a definite step up and if they score first it could be another game altogether.

I think England are fortunate not to have Harry Kane injured. Spain for one have struggled with their strike force especially up front. Harry Kane at least always gives you a chance as he is a good finisher. I think if Spain would of had their striker Ansu Fati fit they would of been a far more potent force. Good movement and skills for one . Loved by Barcelona fans as well.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

I’d happily see you get two more good sleeps Madeley if we win the tournament.

I'm quite happy with that

Great talent, like the French, is no good without teamwork and application.  They were a shambles when they went out.  Poor attitude.  When Mbappe missed the pen his teammates ignored him rather than consoling him.   The Swiss players showed more empathy.

Southgate is the opposite.  Fostering great team spirit.  He gets nearly all decisions spot on. He was concerned  even for the 3 players he leaves out of the squad.  Also very supportive of the way he gave Grealish one to one time after the final whistle.  Grealish has a role to play in the Denmark game.  Good to see respect from Shevchenko to Kane,  one top scorer to another.

Denmark have special energy, goals, a physical presence and some good young individual players.  England have the same in spades, home advantage, the crowd and possibly destiny. They have also had less tiring travel.  Our strongest quality is probably the freshness and high calibre of our attacking subs.  We also have 2 fullbacks in reserve who starred in the CL winning team.

In fact, our reserves would give good teams a run for their money. The French thought that they could, when their first could not even do so.  We made a poor Ukraine look, well poor.  A  very useful warmup for confidence and further progression.   2-1 to us in 90 mins with subs making the difference.  Denmark giving us a hell of a game.  Different intensity and quality to Scotland.

England need to petition FIFA to increase the number of players (like rugby) to say 14 or 16.  We would benefit from this but still not get all our young talented players on the pitch.

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

Denmark have special energy, goals, a physical presence and some good young individual players.

Viking spirit 👊💪😉. Yes your right about the energy as well. Their going to try to do Christian Eriksen proud as well .

Really satisfying to see an England team so comfortable at a quarter final tournament game. Kane looks back on song which will be crucial in the more challenging matches to come. Shaw was fantastic,maguire and Sterling very good, and so on. Southgate has had loads of criticism and I admit to having doubts but 2 consecutive semi finals really does answer all his critics. His decisions have been spot on and fully justified.

Now that we're back home in front of a big supportive crowd that will give an even bigger lift to the players, but of course Denmark will have their own inspiration from what happened to Ericsson.  I think our clean sheet record might well fall but I'm hoping we have enough to outscored Denmark the other end.

Quoted from Madeleymariner

The sad thing is that although we were v efficient and have kept clean sheets scored 4 goals I still found it an absolute borefest. It will be fantastic if we win it but will I be awake to see it who knows,

Not for the first time I read a match review post of yours and wonder if you’d watched one from a different dimension.

Quoted from LH

Not for the first time I read a match review post of yours and wonder if you’d watched one from a different dimension.

He must be a bore at a party aswell

Quoted from LH

Not for the first time I read a match review post of yours and wonder if you’d watched one from a different dimension.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m an anomaly and love pragmatic football but I’m boggled as to what game he was watching last night. Barring a short spell in the second half when Ukraine sort of had a go, as a football fan it was an excellent game to watch. England had a plan and it worked a treat and in Ukraine’s defence the did keep going they were just terrible…

Quoted from Madeleymariner

The sad thing is that although we were v efficient and have kept clean sheets scored 4 goals I still found it an absolute borefest. It will be fantastic if we win it but will I be awake to see it who knows,

I don’t think that you’re glass half empty, I’ve known for a long while that you don’t even have a glass🤦‍♂️

Quoted from aldi_01

Don’t get me wrong, I’m an anomaly and love pragmatic football but I’m boggled as to what game he was watching last night. Barring a short spell in the second half when Ukraine sort of had a go, as a football fan it was an excellent game to watch. England had a plan and it worked a treat and in Ukraine’s defence the did keep going they were just terrible…

If you like pragmatic football you’re going to love next season!

Quoted from Madeleymariner

I agree there must have been at least 5 mins added time, Should a ref blow early unless a players head has dropped off or they cant keep the crowd off the pitch. One of the lads about to come on was an 18 yr old making his debut, he must be gutted due to a ref making up the rules as he goes along.

I'm not sure there is a rule for stoppage time. I think the ref can end the game at his own discretion once the allotted 45 minutes is up.

intercourse off Dave C you know nothing about me so wind your neck in, I gave my view on a game I thought this was a discussion forum and just to let you know I absolutely rock at parties. Tw@t

Quoted from ginnywings

I'm not sure there is a rule for stoppage time. I think the ref can end the game at his own discretion once the allotted 45 minutes is up.

The only watch that controls the time a game is played is the referee's, any clock in the stadium and on TV is only a guide. The ref shouldn't 'make it up' but time added on is their view or interpretation of the stoppages.

I don't know but I assume that with the technology available the refs are getting help or advice about how much time to add on (from observers/VAR/4th official or wherever) but it is still the watch on the referee's wrist that times a game.

Quoted from Madeleymariner

intercourse off Dave C you know nothing about me so wind your neck in, I gave my view on a game I thought this was a discussion forum and just to let you know I absolutely rock at parties. Tw@t

You ok mate?

I don't know about anybody else but I'm finding this party very boring. It was good of the host to book that private room at the ritz and lay on all those strippers and cocaine but it's just been a bit dull apart from that.