Andriy Shevchenko: “We will have a difficult match against England, but my players have character. We will try to show it tomorrow "

02.07.2021 20:20

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko held a pre-match press conference dedicated to tomorrow's match of the 1/4 finals of Euro 2020 with the team of England.

- We understand perfectly well who we will play with tomorrow, - said Andriy Shevchenko. - England is one of the best teams at the European Championship, one of the most balanced, has excellent performers. I want to mention my colleague Gareth Southgate, who put together a great team, and a team that plays modern football.

In general, I think that now we are witnessing one of the best moments in the history of the England national team. This country's football is on the rise. We saw a great match in the Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea. What speeds, what performance ... That's why we have a difficult fight with a very strong opponent.

- Before the match, British experts look down on Ukraine, saying that England got the easiest opponent. How do you feel about such statements?

- We understand that the opponent is the favorite, but we also know our strengths. We have already shown at the tournament the character and our principles of the game, from which we will never deviate. This is the foundation of our team. I know that a difficult match awaits us, but my players have character. We will try to show it tomorrow.

- There will not be many English fans at the match tomorrow. Will it help the national team of Ukraine?

- Of course, this is not in favor of football, but we must follow the rules to counter COVID-19. At the same time, we have a large diaspora in Italy. I also invite Italian fans to visit the game.

- Do you think that Italian viewers will support you tomorrow?

- Ukraine has earned the sympathy of fans for their dedication at this tournament. I hope that these sympathies will turn into even greater support. But England showed great football, it also has a lot of fans. Tomorrow at the stadium we will see who will support whom better.

- Can you tell us about the condition of the injured players? How do Yarmolenko and Zubkov feel?

- Everything is fine with Yarmolenko, he will prepare for the game. Zubkov trains individually, we will monitor his progress. But he will not prepare for the match with England.