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Friday, Feb 20, 2026

Steven Gerrard slams Chelsea star following England's victory over Ukraine

Steven Gerrard slams Chelsea star following England's victory over Ukraine

Steven Gerrard has criticised Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk for his role in England’s opening goal against Ukraine on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate’s side eased to a 2-0 win at Wembley to make it two wins from two in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

Harry Kane opened the scoring after 37 minutes, latching onto Saka’s cross from the right wing to convert from close range.

Saka was on the score sheet himself three minutes later, jinking past Ukrainian defenders before curling a sublime effort into the top corner.

The Arsenal star was able to get his cross in for Kane’s goal relatively unchallenged with Mudryk failing to put enough pressure on his opponent or get him onto his weaker foot.

And former Liverpool captain Gerrard believes Ukraine boss Ruslan Rotan will not have been impressed with the winger’s efforts.

‘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,’ Gerrard told Channel 4.

Gerrard was on punditry duty with Channel 4.


‘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.’

Saka is enjoying an incredible season having played a key role in Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League with 13 goals and 10 assists this season.

The Gunners star, 21, and Jude Bellingham, 19, both shone at Wembley with manager Gareth Southgate hailing the pair post-match.

‘It is the mentality that is the outstanding part,’ he said. ‘Everyone can see technical quality but these two boys have the humility and want to learn. They work unbelievably hard and they are a joy to work with.

‘It is a top-level finish [from Saka]. That is the ruthless part he has added to his game in the last 18 months or so.

‘There were times you weren’t sure he was going to finish but now he has that confidence in front of goal.’

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