Ukraine boss Shevchenko fires warning to England ahead of Euro 2020 quarter-final clash

Posted Thursday, July 01, 2021 by Express.co.uk

Andriy Shevchenko refused to be intimidated by England's performances so far at Euro 2020.

Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko has claimed that his side are ‘not scared’ of England after Tuesday’s results set up a Euro 2020 quarter-final tie between the sides. Both managers relied on late drama to see them through their tense last 16 matches and there will be plenty at stake when they meet on Saturday.

Shevchenko was ecstatic on the touchline when Artem Dovbyk netted in injury time of extra time to clinch a dramatic 2-1 win over the despairing 10-man Sweden who were moments away from penalties.

Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko was also on the scoresheet as Ukraine progressed to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Hours earlier, England powered to an historic win over Germany at Wembley to book their spot in the last eight.

Goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane sparked bedlam from the 40,000 in attendance who witnessed the Three Lions’ first major tournament victory over Germany since the 1966 World Cup.

Ukraine boss Shevchenko fires warning to England ahead of Euro 2020 quarter-final clash
Andriy Shevchenko with Ukraine (Image: GETTY)

The results set up a quarter-final clash between England and Ukraine at Roma’s Stadio Olimpico, a stadium Shevchenko will be familiar with thanks to his seven-year stint at AC Milan.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, he said: “They are incredibly difficult to score against but their strength shouldn’t scare us.

"It should motivate us because everything is possible in football as in life and we will play our hearts out to give our fans even more to cheer about.

"England are a great team, they have a deep bench, an outstanding coaching staff and we are fully aware how tough this game is going to be.”

Indeed, while England’s attack has been far from terrifying so far this tournament, it will take a monumental effort for Ukraine to breach Gareth Southgate’s back line based on performances so far.

The Three Lions have now gone six games in a row without conceding a goal, including every game so far at Euro 2020.

Gareth Southgate was forward-thinking in his post-match interview, saying: “It didn’t really need me to say it but when we got in the dressing room we were talking about Saturday already.

"Today has been an immense performance but at a cost, emotionally and physically.

Ukraine boss Shevchenko fires warning to England ahead of Euro 2020 quarter-final clash
Gareth Southgate must prepare to take on Ukraine (Image: GETTY)

"We’ve got to make sure we recover well and mentally we’re in the right space. It’s a dangerous moment for us. We know it’s going to be an immense challenge from here on.

"The players know that. They’ve been to the latter stages before, they know how difficult it’s been.

"We came here with an intention and we’ve not achieved that yet.”

There is no doubt that the England players would have been suitably revved up ahead of the Germany tie. Southgate seemingly knows that the same level of intensity is going to be required from here on in.