40,000 supporters of Ukraine filled the Tarczynski Arena, providing the match the passionate atmosphere of a home match despite the hosts’ inability to play in their own nation due to the war with Russia.
Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal scored Ukraine’s first goal after 26 minutes by heading in a pass from Yukhym Konoplya, converting the beautifully loud Polish crowd into a deafening roar.
Harry Kane, England’s captain, displayed a flash of brilliance four minutes before halftime to set up the equalizer. Kane dropped back almost to the approximately line and sent a gorgeous collecting fade to play in Kyle Walker, who scored for the equalizer on his 77th appearance.
The second half belonged to Gareth Southgate’s team, who came close to scoring when Bukayo Saka’s strike was deflected into the crossbar by Ukraine goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan.
Although this was a lackluster performance, England is still on track for elimination from Group C for the Euros in Germany next year.
Harry Kane’s significance as England’s all-time leading scorer attests to his importance as a goalscorer, but it is impossible to overstate how important he has become as a player overall.
Kane’s superb exhibition of his strategic thinking and versatility in movement in setting up Walker, who was who finished coolly, helped to salvage one point from a dull team performance.
It was an exceptional performance by England, and concerns will once again be voiced about what seemed to be Southgate’s cautious strategy.
Jude Bellingham & James Maddison of England’s midfield had natural flair and diversity, but they lacked pace and speed in the front row of a Ukraine team determined to give back to their supporters for some very remarkable support.
There wasn’t a lot of good news to be taken from Wroclaw as Southgate’s squad prepare to play Scotland in a friendly on Tuesday, but it would require something absolutely extraordinary for England to falter in qualifying.
Thousands of Ukrainians living outside of their war-torn nation put on a beautiful display of solidarity and cohesion for their football club, making this a very unique moment in Wroclaw.
Before kickoff, the PA announcer’s passion and encouragement roused the stadium’s crowd of Ukrainian fans living in Poland into a noisy frenzy.
As well as each time that Ukraine gained a tackle, a header, or came close to England’s goal, the commotion when Zinchenko handed them the advantage was deafening.As Ukraine finished off a point, mobile torches lit up the arena during the waning seconds. At the final whistle, players and fans united in an emotional and amazing display.