Home Sweet Home: A Glimpse of Ukraine in Wroclaw – Europe Qualifier Report

Due to the ongoing devastation in their country, Saturday's Euro qualifier is the nearest Ukraine will come to having a home game. The heightened emotions surrounding this match may make England's players feel like they are facing an entire nation, rather than just 11 individuals on the field. Over the past 18 months, the war has compelled 6.2 million Ukrainians to flee, with Poland, the host country for this game against England, being the most accommodating neighbor.

According to UN data, over 4.5 million Ukrainians have sought refuge in Poland, with more than three million of them crossing the Western border to escape the horrifying situation. The upcoming match against England in Wroclaw Stadium is expected to have a near capacity crowd, with over 40,000 "home" fans in attendance on Saturday night.

The presence of additional factors that unite and inspire the supporters goes beyond a Euro qualifier. The manner in which England's players handle the expected display of patriotic fervor both on and off the field could significantly impact their chances of success. Gareth Southgate and his team are facing a particularly formidable challenge with this match, as Italy away was always anticipated as the most difficult encounter in the qualification process. This game now ranks a close second in terms of its demanding nature.

England showed their clear dominance in the match against the same opposition at Wembley six months ago, surpassing the 2-0 scoreline. Harry Kane, as expected, scored a goal, while Bukayo Saka, the newly awarded England player of the year, struck a remarkable goal. These goals ensured Gareth Southgate's flawless record in Euro qualifying remained intact.

However, the victory did not come without its challenges, as the lingering effects of the war were on the minds of everyone involved.

England supporters strolled down Olympic Way towards the stadium proudly sporting their national jerseys, while draped in Ukraine flags. The moment called for those half-and-half scarves, a symbolic first in football history.

The Ukraine players stepped out of the Wembley tunnel, draped in their country's flag. With a banner proudly displaying the word "Peace," both teams stood together before the match. England fans applauded the Ukrainian national anthem in unison.

There was a noticeable shift. The typical rivalries in football seemed to fade, replaced by a sense of shared humanity. This unexpected atmosphere made it challenging for England's players to navigate the game.

There is a high likelihood that the situation will be similar, albeit more intensified, in Poland on Saturday night. Consequently, in terms of team selection, Southgate is expected to choose his strongest lineup, which will most probably consist of highly experienced players. Unfortunately, Eddie Nketiah and Levi Colwill will have to delay their debuts.

Harry Maguire, controversially, is poised to be a key figure in England's defense, despite only playing 23 minutes of football this season. It is expected that Marc Guehi or Fikayo Tomori will partner him in the central defense, rather than the 20-year-old Colwill or Lewis Dunk, who hasn't represented England in four years.

Jordan Pickford, England's dependable goalkeeper, will start despite conceding eight goals in four Premier League matches for Everton thus far. It is worth mentioning that most of those goals were not his fault, and he showcased his brilliance by securing a crucial point in the dying moments against Sheffield United in the last match.

At right back, Kyle Walker brings a consistent and dynamic energy to the field. Additionally, his vast experience adds an invaluable edge to the team. On the opposite flank, Kieran Trippier, with his unwavering consistency and formidable defensive capabilities, may very well be chosen over Ben Chilwell.

Image:

Jude Bellingham returns to England duty in form

Will Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice be the midfield powerhouses in this game? Is there a possibility for James Maddison to join them as a number 10? I highly doubt it.

In addition, we might witness the contentious decision of including Jordan Henderson to provide more stability and defensive support (or Conor Gallagher if Southgate wants to increase the pace of ball progression through the thirds).

Kane will undoubtedly take up the forward position for England in his inaugural game following his transfer to Germany. Furthermore, the exceptional Saka is certain to secure the right wing position. While Marcus Rashford likely holds precedence for the right flank, Phil Foden presents an equally enticing alternative. Therefore, at this premature stage, it appears that only the left back, central midfield, and right wing are the positions contested for in England's starting XI.

Is England's predictability a disadvantage? It's highly likely. However, their predictability could also make them a formidable and dependable force to dismantle. This is exactly what Southgate desires and what I anticipate him striving for when it comes to the composition of his team.

If England emerges victorious in this match, it will bring their total wins to four out of four, placing them on the verge of qualification for Germany next summer. With the top two teams advancing, England would secure a comfortable nine-point lead over Ukraine in Group C. Only Italy remains a realistic threat to their top position, but even that scenario would necessitate England unexpectedly losing points against Malta and North Macedonia.

England's supremacy in the group is evident, and Southgate understands that even a draw in Wroclaw would greatly benefit his team, despite the potential frustration it may cause among the England supporters in Poland. Therefore, Nketiah, Maddison, Eberechi Eze, and Foden, who capture attention and inspire adrenaline, may need to exercise patience.

And England's players on the pitch may have to be patient and resolute too, as they doff their cap of respect to an opponent who will be pushed by a force much greater than football.