England vs Ukraine Predictions

• England have scored at least two goals in five of their last seven matches in all competitions
• Ukraine have failed to score in two of their last three assignments
• In their previous qualifying campaign – for the Qatar World Cup – England finished with a +36 goal difference from ten matches

Kane helps England start Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a win

In their first match since crashing out of the Qatar World Cup at the quarter-final stage, England recorded a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Italy in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier and can follow up by beating Ukraine.

England burst out of the blocks in Naples, establishing a 2-0 lead at the break thanks to Declan Rice’s opener and an historic penalty from Harry Kane, who became England’s all-time top goalscorer in the process, surpassing Wayne Rooney.

The Three Lions could have killed the game off had Jack Grealish buried a brilliant chance from close-range but an early second-half strike from Mateo Retegui coupled with the awakening of Italy’s home support made the remaining minutes nervier than they needed to be.

Nonetheless it was England’s first away win over Italy since 1961 and they should be full of confidence heading into their clash with Ukraine at Wembley.

Absence of Zabarnyi could hinder Ukraine

This should be a more straightforward assignment for England with Ukraine having not played since the Nations League back in September.

The visitors will also be without first-choice centre back Illya Zabarnyi, who is sidelined and yet to make an appearance for club side Bournemouth, having been injured since signing for the Cherries in January.

Ukraine blew hot and cold in their Nations League campaign last year, comfortably beating minnows Armenia 3-0 and 5-0 but taking only one point from two games with Scotland and four points from two games with Ireland.

They also failed to make the World Cup in Qatar, losing their playoff with Wales, and they are unlikely to cause England too many problems in the capital, having lost 4-0 when these sides last met in the quarter-finals of the last European Championship.

Saka could be influential at Wembley

A win for England by at least two goals could be the way to play it, so opt for England at -1 goal on the handicap and we predict 3-0 for the correct score – Gareth Southgate’s side won by that scoreline twice at the World Cup.

All the talk was rightfully about record-breaker Kane after England’s win against Italy but forward Bukayo Saka also looked lively, managing a shot on target and making a key pass in the game.

Saka has been crucial to Arsenal’s Premier League title push this season, contributing 12 goals and ten assists, and is now a regular in Southgate’s team.

He netted three times for England at last year’s World Cup and is worth a bet to score at any time at Wembley.

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