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First Team

Zabarnyi holds firm in England stalemate

Illia Zabarnyi starred as Ukraine earned a creditable draw to end England’s 100% record in UEFA EURO qualifiers.

The 21-year-old started at centre-back, battling with England’s record goalscorer Harry Kane in Poland’s Wrocław Stadium.

Ukraine took a shock lead when Oleksandr Zinchenko swept home after 26 minutes but England equalised on the stroke of half-time as Kyle Walker netted his first international goal, but there was nothing Zabarnyi could have done to prevent it.

He continued to impress throughout the rest of the goal, holding off a determined England who held 69% of possession.


Meanwhile, Ryan Christie’s Scotland took an almighty step closer to UEFA EURO qualification with their fifth win in five games.

Christie came off the bench to collect his 40th cap in Cyprus as Scotland cruised to a 3-0 win.

Scott McTominay opened the scoring after just six minutes before Ryan Porteous and John McGinn basically confirmed victory before the half-hour mark.

Christie replaced McTominay in stoppage time to see out the game and he’ll now turn his attention to a tasty friendly with England on Tuesday.

Hamed Traorè was an unused substitute as Ivory Coast defeated Lesotho to confirm top spot in their Africa Cup of Nations qualification group, edging out Zambia by one point.

As hosts of the upcoming tournament, they’d already secured qualification but four wins and one draw from their six matches provides strong momentum.