 |
England trainer Gareth Southgate during the European Championship qualification 2024 match Italy-England at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. Naples (Italy), March 23rd, 2023 . |
England boss Gareth Southgate is expecting his side to come up against a passionate pro-Ukraine atmosphere when the two sides meet for a Euro 2024 qualifier at Poland's Tarczynski Arena.
Ukraine have not been able to play at home since Russia launched an invasion of the country in February 2022.
They are expected to be backed by 40,000 fans in Wroclaw for Saturday's game, which kicks off at 17:00 BST.
"We know there are thousands of Ukrainians here," Southgate said.
England are top of Group C with 12 points from four matches and know another win will all but secure a place at next year's European Championship in Germany.
"We are expecting a passionate crowd but we are here to win a football game, so for us it is about keeping our emotions in check and focusing on our job," added Southgate.
The Three Lions beat Ukraine 2-0 at Wembley in March with goals from Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane.
Ukraine are second in the group and Southgate said: "Football-wise it is just a difficult game for us.
"They have players who have played in England and we know very well. We have to play our best to get the result we want."