Euro 2020: Ukraine vs England markets in focus
An Arsenal supporter and occasional match-goer, Liam has been involved in football journalism for a number of years and joined the Spotlight Sports Group in 2018. He is studying for a degree in German and Spanish, can speak French too and is particularly interested in the Bundesliga and La Liga.
England are only two wins away from reaching the final of a major tournament for the first time since 1966 but face their first match away from Wembley when they take on Ukraine in Rome this weekend.
We’ve already taken a look at this clash in our Ukraine vs England predictions, but here we take a look at some of the game’s markets in focus.
Match result predictions
England are 2/5 favourites to get the better of Ukraine following a superb 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley in the round of 16. Andriy Shevchenko’s men, meanwhile, left it until the 121st minute of their game with Sweden to score the winning goal last time out.
Although this match feels like a potential banana skin for the Three Lions, it is hard to see past a win for Gareth Southgate’s men, who are unbeaten in their opening four matches at the tournament and are yet to concede.
Ukraine, however, find themselves in the last eight of the competition despite losing two of their three group games – North Macedonia are still the only side they have defeated inside 90 minutes.
As Portugal’s Euro 2016 campaign will reiterate, that does not mean Ukraine should start packing their bags but England are undoubtedly the fancied side in the match result market.
Total goals predictions
England boss Southgate was again criticised for his cautious approach to the last-16 contest with Germany, playing with a back three, two holding midfielders and wing backs, but that combination got the job done and low-scoring games have been a constant in England’s Euro 2020 campaign.
Their four matches at Euro 2020 have featured a total four goals with bets on under 2.5 goals clicking in all of their encounters at the tournament as well.
However, England will this time lose the advantage of Wembley and are playing a Ukraine side who may play on the front foot more than any of their three group opponents.
Shevchenko’s men have scored at least twice in three of their four games at Euro 2020 and possess a dangerous attacking duo in Roman Yaremchuk and Andriy Yarmolenko, so a bet on over 2.5 goals could be worth it at even money.
First goalscorer predictions
In each of England’s three wins at Euro 2020, they have drawn first blood through Raheem Sterling but another Three Lions forward makes appeal in the first goalscorer market against Ukraine.
Harry Kane finally got off the mark at this summer’s tournament with a headed goal against Germany last time out and that should do the Spurs forward’s confidence the world of good.
Kane remains a world-class talent and the focal point of England’s attack and managed six goals at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He looks a decent selection to fire first here.
To be shown a card predictions
Kalvin Phillips has been one of England’s standout performers at Euro 2020 and has formed a great partnership with Declan Rice at the heart of the team’s midfield.
England are likely to see plenty of the ball in Rome and that could frustrate the men in the middle of the park for Ukraine, none more so than Serhiy Sydorchuk, who has been booked twice in his last five games.
The Ukrainian was also sent off twice for Dynamo Kiev last campaign and looks a decent bet to be shown a card at 15/8.
Man of the match predictions
It is becoming clear that England are not set up to blow teams away at Euro 2020 and central to their chances of lifting the trophy is their watertight rearguard.
Harry Maguire picked up the man of the match award in his side’s clash with Germany and the centre-back’s partner John Stones could be a value selection to collect the accolade this time around.
Manchester City’s Stones has featured in all four of England’s matches and is also a danger from set pieces.
Thinking along the same lines, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is another who could be England’s standout performer – the Everton man is yet to concede and made a great save to deny Germany’s Timo Werner last time out.
More betting news:
Euro 2020 outright tips update
Statman Dave’s Italy vs Belgium predictions
FST lands 15/1 Anytime Goalscorer Double
Make sure to check out our full range of betting predictions, with Bet Builder Tips and Euro 2020 Predictions among our latest offerings.