England winger Bukayo Saka produced a man-of-the-match performance that helped his country beat Ukraine 2-0 in the second match of the European 2024 Championship qualifier at Wembley.
The 21-year-old set up one and scored one to make sure England maintain their 100% record start for the campaign by winning two out of two. Saka’s superb cross in the 37th minute was met by Harry Kane who slotted home his 55th goal for England from close range.
Just three minutes later, Saka cut in inside and sent a powerful shot into the top right corner that beat Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin and made its way to the back of the net.
This was Saka’s eighth goal for England and only Dixie Dean (16), Jimmy Greaves (16), Wayne Rooney (12) and Michael Owen (10) have scored more for the Three Lions at his current age.
As was expected, England dominated the match with 58% of the possession while completing 592 passes compared to Ukraine’s 445. The Blue and Yellow did not pause any attacking threat to England thanks to the home team’s thick defence that made sure Ukraine don’t register a single shot on target the entire match.
England manager Gary Southgate labelled Saka as ruthless after his performance and that he has had a mentality shift that has helped him deliver for both club and country this season.
“That’s evident with his club and in his games with us. You’re expecting him to score now when he goes through and that’s been a mentality shift as much as it’s anything technical because he has always had the technique.
“I think he knows that to be a really top wide player you need the numbers for goals and assists and without a doubt he has delivered that all season.” Southgate in the post-match press conference.
The win puts England on top of the Group C table with six points while Italy, who recovered to beat Malta 2-0 at Ta’ Qali National Stadium comes second with three points tied with North Macedonia who play Faroe Islands today.
