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Euro 2020

03rd Jul 2021

England starting XI confirmed: Sancho starts against Ukraine

Simon Lloyd

The team news from Rome is in

The wait is nearly over. Kick off at the Stadio Olimpico is fast approaching as England take on Ukraine for a place in the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

As is always the way, Gareth Southgate’s team selection has been the subject of plenty of speculation in the past couple of days. Now though, the starting XI has been confirmed.

There are two changes in personnel to the team which beat Germany in the last-16, with Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka dropping out. Mason Mount returns to the line-up after his spell spent in isolation, with Jadon Sancho finally given his first start of the tournament.

This is the first time England have faced Ukraine at a major tournament since Euro 2012, when Andriy Shevchenko’s side were co-hosts. England won the group game by a Wayne Rooney goal in Kiev, ensuring their progress to the quarter-finals.

Victory for England tonight would send them to their first European semi-final since 1996, with Denmark or Czech Republic lying in wait. They have never been beyond a European semi-final, with the penalty shootout defeat to Germany at Euro 96 the closest they have come to continental glory.

As was the case in 1996, the semi-final will be played on home soil, with Wembley hosting both semis and the final of Euro 2020.