England’s forward Harry Kane (C) celebrates after scoring a penalty and his side’s second goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group C qualification match between Italy and England on 23 March 2023 at the Diego‑Maradona stadium in Naples. (Photo by Alberto Pizzoli/AFP)
Gareth Southgate praised “ruthless” Bukayo Saka after the England forward’s spectacular goal helped secure a 2‑0 win over Ukraine, preserving the team’s perfect start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Following an impressive victory against Italy in their Group C opener, England displayed another composed performance, highlighted by Saka’s brilliance and Harry Kane’s predatory instincts. Saka, a standout in Arsenal’s climb to the top of the Premier League, was at his best again at Wembley. His pinpoint cross allowed Kane to give England the lead in the first half, extending the captain’s record tally for his country.
Kane entered the record books against Italy, scoring his 54th international goal to surpass Wayne Rooney as England’s all‑time leading scorer. Surrounded by his wife and children, the Tottenham striker was presented with a golden boot before kick‑off but quickly returned to business, netting his 55th goal. Kane has been instrumental in England’s progress to major tournaments, scoring 34 times in just 29 qualifying group matches. At 29, he is at his peak, while the 21‑year‑old Saka is only beginning to explore his vast potential, as demonstrated by his superb long‑range strike. “Once he receives inside and turns, you know there’s a chance that might happen. It’s a top‑level finish,” Southgate said. “That’s the ruthless part he’s added to his game in the last 18 months. There were times when you weren’t certain he would finish, and now you have real confidence when he’s through on goal. Everyone can see the technical quality; it is the mentality that is outstanding.”
England’s 2‑1 victory over European champions Italy on Thursday – their first success on Italian soil since 1961 – was a significant statement of intent in their bid to win a first major trophy since 1966. Dismissing Ukraine in a business‑like fashion ensured the positive mood will continue as England prepare to resume their qualifying campaign against Malta and North Macedonia in June. “I’m really pleased. We made a difficult game look straightforward,” Southgate said. “Backing up the Italy result was important, but there is still room to grow.”
The match was an emotional occasion for more than 1,000 Ukrainians and their host families, invited as special guests by England’s Football Association after being displaced by the war with Russia. Showing solidarity, England’s players joined their opponents before kick‑off behind a Ukrainian flag bearing the word “Peace.” “It was amazing to see so many Ukrainian fans here. We knew it would be emotional and we all have tremendous sympathy with what’s going on. Everyone’s supporting Ukraine,” Southgate said.
Beaten in the 2018 World Cup semi‑finals and the European Championship final two years ago, England are still chasing their trophy holy grail. In their first home game since last year’s World Cup quarter‑final defeat to France, Southgate’s men showed their hunger has not been dulled by past near‑misses. England were patient against Ukraine’s massed defence; while the build‑up sometimes appeared ponderous, the steady approach paid off in the 37th minute. Saka whipped a perfectly weighted cross toward the far post, and when Oleksandr Karavaev’s clearance lacked power, Kane deflected the ball in from close range.
Three minutes later, Saka, who had provided the assist for Kane, scored himself. Picking up the ball 20 yards from goal, he evaded Mykola Matviyenko and curled a sublime strike over Anatoliy Trubin into the far corner, eliciting a roar from the previously subdued Wembley crowd.
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