Andriy Shevchenko, coach and player of the Ukrainian national team, shared his expectations from the match against England in the qualifying for Euro 2024.
Andrey Shevchenko. Photo: gettyimages.com"Football is still the number one sport in Ukraine. It helps people cope with what they are going through. The championship is being held, several teams made it to the European Cups, it helped a lot.
England has been very supportive over the last year. They have shown solidarity and kindness. I think the atmosphere will be very emotional and warm for the fans and the team. Everyone from the UK government to civil society has shown us tremendous support since the start of the war.
Going into the match, it will definitely be a big day for our nations. I had a shock on the first day of the war, I couldn't believe this was really happening. After the Russian troops left Bucha, I was also shocked to see the horrors of war, the crimes, so many horrible moments we've been through since last February.
England is strong, but our team is ready to show what it is. It will undoubtedly be a special day. There are no good or bad moments to face England, as they are very strong no matter what. But our players don't need any extra motivation. They know why they will be on the field," Shevchenko told the BBC.
