England vs Ukraine: Euro Qualifiers – England welcomes Ukraine at Wembley for the Euro 2024 Qualifiers Group C Round 2 game, as manager Gareth Southgate set to hand Leicester City midfielder his first England start against Ukraine. Previously the Leicester City midfielder has just registered a single appearance coming off the bench in 2019, moreover, in the Qatar World Cup, even though he made the trip with the team, but did not play any part, failing to make it off the bench. Follow Football LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
According to reports in The Telegraph, he is now set to make his first start in England shirt, having seen training with the first team players such as Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka. The 26-year-old has been exceptional for Leicester City over the years, but injuries at crucial times have restricted the midfielder to break into the England first team. The widespread calls for Maddison’s inclusion in the World Cup squad made headlines, and when was included, injury prevented him from playing a single minute in Qatar.
It has been three and a half years since making his debut for the Three Lions coming as a substitute against Montenegro, as this time he has impressed the gaffer in the training during the camp, and has remained positive and supportive of his teammates even when he did play any part at Qatar.
Man City’s Jack Grealish who started on the left flank in the last game, could make his way for Maddison. Moreover, Southgate is likely to make more changes to his side for the Wembley game with Luke Shaw unavailable for his red card at Naples, as Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell to replace him. Furthermore, Jordan Henderson is likely to get a node in place of Kevin Phillips.
The 26-year-old was an unused substitute in the last game against the European Champions at Naples, as the Three Lions opened their qualifying campaign by winning against Italy for the first time since 1961. Moreover, the win against Italy was the 50th win for England under Gareth Southgate, and the boss is certainly focused on making the 51st win at Wembley, stating in the pre-match press conference, he says, ‘It means we have a chance to make it 51 tomorrow – that’s all I am focussed on.’
‘The past is irrelevant as is what we have done up to now. I am just focused on tomorrow’s game.
James Maddison is expected to make his first start for England against Ukraine – with the Leicester City playmaker set to line up on the left wing 🏴 pic.twitter.com/YxMzUm52lY
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 26, 2023
‘We need to win. We need to be on six points when we leave Wembley tomorrow. If we are going to be considered a really top team we have to back up our performance in Italy and elements of our performance at Wembley tomorrow.’
On the other hand, Ukraine, played a goalless draw against Scotland to open their Qualifier campaign, the England manager showed his sympathy for the situation of their opponent’s situation back home but emphasized focusing on the game, stating, ‘We, of course, have huge sympathy with what’s going on and support for what’s going on.’ ‘But tomorrow is a game of football and we are fully focused on trying to win the game.’
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