England v Ukraine: Three Lions look to build on strong start

Shaw, though, is banned for the visit of Ukraine after being sent off in Thursday’s win over Italy and he has legitimate competition in the shape of fit-again Chilwell.

The Chelsea defender missed the World Cup through injury but is now in fine form for his club, giving Southgate yet another positive selection headache.

One step to Germany

It may only be the second game of the qualification process but victory for England against another of the stronger Group C opponents could already have them set for Germany next summer.

Winning in Italy and then seeing off Ukraine at Wembley would be a fine start for Southgate and his players, with favourable games against Malta and North Macedonia next up in June.

There is still the visit of Italy to come, as well as some potentially tricky trips, but England would already be thinking of sealing qualification.

Looking at the England v Ukraine betting odds, they are firm favourites at 1/4 for the win while Ukraine are 12/1 to cause an upset.

Time for Toney?

Harry Kane became England’s all-time leading goalscorer when he converted from the penalty spot in the Naples victory.

He is undoubtedly the first-choice striker among Southgate’s central attacking options and rarely misses a game for his country.

Should Southgate opt to rest his skipper on Sunday, Ivan Toney could be in line for his England bow – the Brentford forward having yet to make his debut despite being called up on two occasions.

🔥 @ivantoney24 pic.twitter.com/S2akasZc4q

— England (@England) March 25, 2023

Toney has hit 28 Premier League goals in a year-and-a-half with Brentford and his form has kept him on the international scene despite ongoing Football Association charges relating to gambling.

Toney is 4/5 to find the net against Ukraine and 5/2 to score the last goal of the game, which may be a good option if he starts on the bench.

54 not out

Kane surpassed Wayne Rooney to move onto 54 senior England goals.

The striker had already become Tottenham’s leading marksman earlier this season as he moved clear of Jimmy Greaves and now he is unrivalled in front of goal for his country.

There was a special presentation in the away changing room in Naples but Kane’s latest achievement will also be acknowledged ahead of kick-off against Ukraine as he looks to build on his record-breaking total.

Kane is the 9/4 favourite to open the scoring and 3/1 to score at least two.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication