England, Italy held; Belgium lucky in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine

LONDON: England fought back to claim a 1-1 draw in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on Saturday and stay six points clear atop Group C after Kyle Walker netted from a sublime pass by Harry Kane for his first international goal.

England dominated possession but Ukraine opened the scoring against the run of play in the 26th minute through Oleksandr Zinchenko after Yukhym Konoplia cut back a pass from the right for the midfielder to side-foot past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

"I think it's an amazing result for us," Zinchenko said. "England are one of the best teams in the world and in general we did very well."

Ukraine have not played at home since Russia launched an invasion of the country in February 2022 -- which Moscow calls a "special military operation" -- and the crowd noise inside Tarczynski Arena in Poland was deafening at times.

Gareth Southgate's side levelled close to the break after skipper Kane gathered the ball in midfield and superbly picked out Walker who neatly controlled the ball and slotted home with a composed finish for his first England goal.

Walker bemoaned his side's missed chances but said getting a draw on the road marked a good return for a side that had 11 attempts compared to two for Ukraine.

England played more directly after the break and started creating more opportunities, including a Bukayo Saka shot that bounced off the bar.

With about 25 minutes left, Southgate replaced James Maddison and Jude Bellingham with Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford but neither substitute was able to lift England past a resolute Ukraine who played higher up the pitch after halftime.

England, who conceded just their second goal in qualifying, are top with 13 points from five games followed by Ukraine on seven from four. The draw against Ukraine marked the first time England have dropped points in the qualifying campaign.

Late Bardhi goal earns North Macedonia draw with Italy

North Macedonia captain Enis Bardhi's stunning free-kick cancelled out Ciro Immobile's header to earn a 1-1 home draw against Italy in their Euro 2024 Group C qualifier, spoiling Luciano Spalletti's debut as the Azzurri coach.

European champions Italy dominated the game and their captain Immobile netted with a header just after the break, following up after Nicolo Barella hit the bar from distance.

But midfielder Bardhi delighted the crowd when he equalised with a free kick from just outside the box that flew into the top right corner in the 81st minute.

Italy remain third in the group level on four points with fourth-placed North Macedonia although the Italians have only played three games to their opponents' four.

Italy also have two games in hand of leaders England, who have 13 points after earlier on Saturday rescuing a 1-1 draw against Ukraine, who are second with seven points from four matches. Italy next host Ukraine at the San Siro on Tuesday.

Lucky goal sends Belgium top of

qualifying group

Yannick Carrasco scored a fortuitous goal as injury-hit Belgium won 1-0 in Azerbaijan and went top of European Championship qualifying Group F, overcoming a poor pitch and soaring temperatures to register the victory.

The Belgians moved above Austria on goal difference with 10 points from four matches.

Belgium looked to go on the attack from the start with Leandro Trossard hitting the post after a neat pass from Romelu Lukaku, playing despite only 20 minutes of club football this season, but ended up with few opportunities in a listless first- half performance.

They did, however, make the breakthrough in the 38th minute with a lucky goal as Johan Bakayoko’s long-range shot struck the unaware Carrasco, forcing the ball to change direction and flummox the home goalkeeper.

Belgium, without first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne because of long-term injuries, showed late resolve after making changes with Manchester City’s new signing Jeremy Doku going close to adding a second. Agencies

Also Read: My workload is twice or thrice as much as anybody else’s: Pandya

Also Watch: