Southgate's focus on victory against 'proud' Ukraine

This afternoon’s match is Ukraine’s first in this qualification campaign and comes with war still raging in the country after it was invaded by Russia last February.

- SIMON PEACH

GARETH Southgate expressed England’s ‘huge sympathy’ with the people of Ukraine ahead of today’s ‘crucial’ European Championship qualifier between the two sides at Wembley.

Three days after kicking off Group C with an impressive 2-1 victory at reigning champions Italy, England step out in front of a sell-out crowd under the arch looking to take a major step towards the finals. 

Asked if that backdrop made their opposition more unpredictable, England boss Southgate said: “I would say it is entirely predictable.