EURO 2024 Qualifiers: England vs Ukraine: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, and telecast

The Three Lions will face a strong blue and yellow team on Sunday.

Football giants England will take on Ukraine in a mouthwatering contest at the UEFA EURO Qualifiers on March 26th. Having last clashed against each other at the Euros in 2021, where England got the better of Ukraine by winning 4-0, Ukraine will now look to take perfect revenge. 

However, it won't be an easy task for the war-torn country. Regardless of their failure to win a major international trophy, England is a powerful football house. Host to one of the most popular leagues in the Premier League, England over the years has produced some of the most high-quality players. Despite failing to win the Euros in 2021, and the World Cup in 2022, England overall had a good outing in both competitions. 

Ukraine on the other hand, are not having the best of times when it comes to international football. While the country is currently going through a horrid time due to its war with Russia, even when it comes to football, Ukraine has been a disappointment at the FIFA World Cup. In fact, the country has failed to qualify for the World Cup since 2006, and even at the Euros, the team hasn't had the best of performances. 

Kick Off: 

Sunday, 26-03-2023 - 16:00 PM (GMT)

Sunday, 26-03-2023 - 21:30 PM (IST)

England form (all competitions): W-L-W-W-D

Ukraine form (all competitions): D-D-W-W-L 

Players to watch

England: Jude Bellingham 

When England takes the pitch against Ukraine on March 26th, all eyes will be on the 19-year-old Jude Bellingham. A midfielder for Borrusia Dortmund, Bellingham at a very young age has made quite the name for himself. A versatile midfielder, Bellingham despite his age is one of the most technically sound players in the Bundesliga. 

While Bellingham is a great dribbler of the ball, he is also very good at protecting it. Among all the different abilities he possesses on the pitch, Bellingham's passing ability, mixed with his vision to find attackers in the final third will be key for England against Ukraine.  

Ukraine: Oleksandr Zinchenko

Captain of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Zinchenko, is going to be a key player for the team against England. Playing for Arsenal FC in the Premier League, Zinchenko has been in terrific form. His performances for the club, mixed with the efforts of his teammates have helped Arsenal maintain the No. 1 position in the Premier League. 

A left-back by position, Zinchenko is what one would call a workhorse. With amazing technical abilities and a phenomenal first touch of the ball, the Ukrainian can break the press of an opposing team. This quality will come in handy when Ukraine plays England on March 26th. A tidy passer of the ball, Zinchenko's background as a midfielder will help Ukraine when they mount an attack on the English defence. 

Injury and Team News

While the England manager Gareth Southgate went ahead and name a 25-member squad, there have been notable omissions. Despite being named in the squad, Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, and Nick Pope will be absent in the fixture against Ukraine citing injuries. However, Trent Alexander Arnold, Callum Wilson, and Ben White couldn't secure a place in the final 25, while Raheem Sterling battles with Injury. 

On the other hand, Ukraine are yet to name an official squad. 

Head-to-Head stats

Matches - 8

England - 5

Ukraine - 2 

Draws - 1

Predicted Lineups

England's predicted lineup: 

Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Henderson; Saka, Kane, Foden

Ukraine's predicted lineup

The team is yet to name an official squad. 

Match Prediction

If one goes by the stats and matches of the past, England looks like the team suited to beat Ukraine on paper. With several stars in their ranks, 'The Three Lions' are capable of pulling a massive victory over England. Pacy attackers, creative midfielders, and strong defenders will all serve as threats to Ukraine. 

However, one cannot underestimate the Ukrainian football team. If anything, they are known to be underdogs who can cause a massive upset when required. Previously as well, the Ukrainian national team caused a massive upset when they beat England 1-0 in the 2016 Euros. However, this time around, it won't be so easy for Ukraine. 

Prediction: England 2 - 0 Ukraine 

Telecast

India – Sony Liv, Sony Ten 2

UK- Channel 4

USA – Fubo TV, Fox Sports 1

Ukraine - MEGOGO Football 1