Harry Kane lauded by Kyle Walker as England held by Ukraine

Kyle Walker lauded Harry Kane’s football intelligence after the Bayern Munich forward set him up for his first international goal as England drew with Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

The result ends their 100 percent record in Group C and means they will have to wait a little longer to officially book their place at next summer’s tournament in Germany.

Although the Man City full-back got on the scoresheet, he admitted that the team failed to create clear cut chances. “Listen, it’s a point away from home,” Walker told Channel 4 after the final whistle.

“We’re in a good position in the group. It was always going to be tough coming here. They’re obviously a proud nation. I think in front of goal we obviously lacked a bit of cutting edge that we normally have. But sometimes you have to take a point away from home.

Walker is the 450th different player to score for the England men’s national team. With it being his 77th cap, he’s also waited longer than any other player to get his first goal for the Three Lions.

“It’s just a relief,” he said. “Obviously to represent your country as many times as I have and not score, it’s been on my mind, but I can tick that off. I’ve finally got an England goal after 77.”

Kane, a former clubmate of Walker’s at Tottenham, set up the defender for his strike with a ball over the top after dropping into midfield to pick up the ball.

“I’ve played with H for a number of years now and I know he likes to drop deep and look for that run. I saw the gap. Luckily he’s found me, which nine times out of ten he does find the person he’s passing it to, and I put it away.

“It’s good that I could contribute to the team at the other end but first and foremost I’m a defender and my main job is stopping goals.

“It shows how intelligent he is as a footballer, he can drop deep and play as a number nine. It’s another tool in armoury, he can drop deep and also stay up front. We just need the best Harry Kane.”

He continued: “Sometimes you have these nights. We had a lot of possession, we should have created a few more opportunities in front of goal but this is a good Ukraine side. You take a point and we move onto Tuesday now, which is obviously a massive game.

On the occasion, he added: “It is fantastic for Ukraine after all they have gone through. I wish the country all the best for the future.”

England were dominant from early on, but failed to turn possession into opportunities. They were made to pay for their profligacy as they conceded for the first time in five and a half hours of action

Ukraine struck on the counter through a familiar face, with Arsenal utility man Oleksandr Zinchenko popping up in the box to stroke home Yukhym Konoplya’s cutback. But the visitors hit back just before the half.

Kane caught Mykolenko sleeping after sending a sumptuous ball over the head of the Everton left-back to find Kyle Walker, who scored his first international goal twelve years after his first cap.

With an energised crowd in Poland behind them, Ukraine kept England scoreless in the second half and secured a huge point in their bid to qualify for Euro 2024.

England, who play Scotland in a friendly on Tuesday, sit top of the group with 13 points after five games. Ukraine have seven points after two games, while Italy are on three points after playing just twice.

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