Steven Gerrard was less than impressed with Mykhailo Mudryk for his role in England’s opening goal against Ukraine on Sunday.
The Three Lions won 2-0 at Wembley to make it two wins from two in the international break, following their win away to Italy in their opening Euro 2024 qualifying match, as Harry Kane opened the scoring with his 55th England goal before Bukayo Saka doubled the lead.
Mudryk and Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko were among the Premier League contingent lining up for Ukraine, who were supported by thousands of supporters including refugees and their sponsor families who had been given free tickets.
For England’s opening goal, Mudryk allowed Saka to cut inside onto his left foot and put in a cross that Kane bundled home at the back post, and Ukraine then once again let the Arsenal winger onto his stronger foot for the second as he curled a brilliant finish into the top corner.
AND HARRY KANE DOES IT AGAIN 🔥 #C4Football | #ThreeLions | #ENGUKR pic.twitter.com/RpCcXZ6UP2
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) March 26, 2023
Mudryk has had a tough start to life in England, still waiting for his first goal since joining Chelsea for £89million in January, and Gerrard criticised the Chelsea forward for not being alert to the danger of Saka’s left foot for the first goal.
“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.
“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.”
