England

2-0

Ukraine

Fowler 43

 

 

Adams 67

International Friendly
Wembley Stadium
23 May 2000

Ukraine is a relatively new country in football terms, their Federation having been formed in 1991 after the break-up of the old Soviet Union.

England and Ukraine have met just once before – in a Wembley friendly on 31st May 2000 that finished in a 2-0 win for the Three Lions.

England got the winning send-off that they had wanted with Euro 2000 just ten days away.

Ukraine, arguably the best team not to have qualified, had come to Wembley with two strikers worth £25 million between them – Andriy Shevchenko of AC Milan and Tottenham’s Sergiy Rebrov.

Alan Shearer was captaining England for the last time at Wembley and close to half-time his downward header was pushed away by Ukrainian ‘keeper Kernozenko for Robbie Fowler to pounce and fire the ball in from barely a yard out.

Ukraine were undeniably classy in attack, with Shevchenko keeping Adams and Campbell on their toes, but England’s nerves were eased on 68 minutes with another goal.

David Beckham’s corner from the left found its way to Tony Adams and his effort from 12 yards missed three players on the line before nestling in the bottom corner.

England: Martyn, Gerrard (Dyer), P Neville (Barry), Southgate, Adams, Campbell, Beckham, Scholes (Barmby), Shearer, Fowler (Emile Heskey), McManaman