Five talking points from Ukraine 1-1 England

England saw their winning run in the Euro 2024 qualifiers come to an end after a 1-1 draw against Ukraine at the Stadion Miejski Wroclaw. 

Oleksandr Zinchenko opened the scoring in the 26th minute when he arrived late in the box to fire home Yukhym Konoplya's cross. 

Kyle Walker equalised for England after a brilliant ball from captain Harry Kane, which the right-back brought down before firing into the back of the net. 

Bukayo Saka almost put the Three Lions in front with a left-footed strike in the second half but it was tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan.

Here are five talking points.

England defence undone

Gareth Southgate's side had recorded three clean sheets in their last three outings — but could not keep Ukraine at bay. 

Zinchenko's surging run into the box was left unattended, allowing him an easy look at goal to give the hosts the lead. 

England's defence were unable to cope, with Declan Rice the only midfielder in support as Ukraine countered in devastating fashion. 

It will be an area of disappointment for the visitors, who controlled much of the possession and value their defensive solidity.

Walker's delight

It was a match to remember for 33-year-old Walker — who bagged his first England goal in his 77th international appearance. 

He has been a long-standing servant for Southgate, often playing as a third centre-back in a defensive five, but finally found the back of the net in an attacking right-back role. 

The Manchester City ace timed his run to perfection to latch onto Kane's pass before volleying home.

Walker had an equally impressive night defensively, keeping the speedy Mykhailo Mudryk quiet — further validating his importance to the Three Lions.

Conductor Kane

Kane continued to show how pivotal he is to this England side. 

For the equaliser, he dropped deep to pick up the ball before spraying a pin-point pass directly into the path of Walker. 

Bayern Munich's new talisman held up play, brought others into the game and threatened with his constant movement in the box. 

Even without getting his name onto the scoresheet, Kane remained an influential figure throughout.

Missing midfield

It was a poor showing from England's midfield against Ukraine. 

Rice sat between a pairing of Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson, with James Maddison often collecting the ball on the left wing.

All were largely uninspiring in possession and failed to click together, which saw them struggle to threaten the hosts' backline.

Subsequently, Bellingham and Maddison were hauled off in the 65th minute for Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford, although neither were able to make a mark in the little time they had on the pitch.

Work for Southgate

It was not the perfect night that Southgate would have craved after tough questioning over his team selection.

His side did not display their usual vibrant attacking play, managing just a meagre four shots on target.

After the game, the England boss expressed his disappointment at the lack of opportunities created.

He said: "We didn't create enough chances. If that is the case you have to make sure you don't lose the game, so to come back from behind and get the point in terms of qualification very important.

"When you have that much of the ball you want to create more chances but the attacking play didn't click today."