Steven Gerrard was on punditry duties for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine, and while he had plenty of positive things to say about his old side’s performance, he was more critical of the Ukranians.
The Three Lions rather coasted to a win, with Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka particularly impressive. He grabbed a goal and an assist for Harry Kane, and looked every inch the superstar he’s grown to be.
His role on the right wing meant that Chelsea man Mykhailo Mudryk was lining up against him, and that ended up being a bit of a mismatch. Mudryk is not a natural born defender, let’s face it, and against a menace like Saka he really struggled, as Gerrard noted:
“From a Ukraine point of view, it’s fantastic play from England as they open the pitch up, but you would be really disappointed if you’re the coach with Mudryk. With all due respect he is still learning the game but you know that you need to keep Saka on his right foot, you can’t allow him to come in on that left foot because it’s a wand and he gets it right on the money.”
The Saka goal itself isn’t really Murdryk’s fault, we would counter. The winger does his bit and stays tight to Kieran Tripper, but the ball is passed inside to Saka to turns his man and fires a left footed shot into the top corner.
It was a failure of team defending, rather than an individual error.
