Match Kickoff and Early Action
And we’re underway. Ukraine start the match with the kickoff, with Kozlova taking the first touch.
The Ukraine players stand draped in their national flag as they sing their national anthem, while England players wear black armbands in tribute to Lynda Hale, who played in England’s first formal international. Supporters in the crowd have spelled out her name in recognition.
England take early possession, moving the ball around at the back, with Williamson notably getting a good look at the ball. England set up camp inside the Ukraine half as the hosts drop very deep.
Within the first few minutes, Hemp finds space on the left flank and delivers a low ball into the area, which is cleared by Ukraine defenders. Shortly after, Stanway demonstrates quick footwork in midfield before Russo, positioned inside the area on the left side, swiftly turns and shoots, forcing Ukraine goalkeeper Samson to make her first save of the night by getting low.
Ukraine, it is important to note, have never qualified for the Women’s World Cup; their only major tournament appearance was at Euro 2009.
Team Lineups and Changes
England are missing Alex Greenwood due to a "minor muscle injury," while Leah Williamson returns for her first international appearance since the Euros. England have made six changes from their previous fixture.
The starting lineups are as follows:
Ukraine: Samson, Shaynyuk, Kotyk, Petryk, Korsun, Basanska, Andrukhiv, Kalinina, Ovidychuk, Kozlova, Kravchuk
Substitutes: Boklach, Keliushyk, Podolska, Kotiash, Hiryn, Ivkova, Zaborovets, Shmatko, Kohut, Hlushchenko, Olkhova
England: Hampton, Le Tissier, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Hinds, Blindkilde Brown, Walsh, Stanway, Park, Russo, Hemp
Substitutes: Moorhouse, Roebuck, Bronze, Pattinson, Morgan, Fisk, Kelly, Kendall, Beever-Jones, James, Carter, Godfrey
Context of the Match Amid Conflict
This fixture carries significant weight beyond the sport itself. Ukraine, the nominal home side, are playing in Turkey due to the ongoing war with Russia. England manager Sarina Wiegman has stated that her team remains in close contact with the UK government regarding safety concerns amid the nearby conflict.
A 32-team global tournament celebrating joy and cooperation feels surreal in the current context.
Nonetheless, this marks the start of the European qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. England are placed in a group alongside Ukraine, Iceland, and Spain. The group winner will qualify directly for the tournament, while the other teams will enter playoffs. The anticipated highlight will be the clash between the reigning world champions and European champions, scheduled for April. Today’s match in Antalya kicks off at 5pm GMT.
Player Perspective on Travel Challenges
Ukraine’s Nicole Kozlova, who plays for Glasgow City, has shared insights into the difficult journey her teammates endure to reach Turkey for matches.
"People need to realise – first, the girls need to get to Kyiv depending on where they live. Then it’s a 15-hour train ride with a five-hour standstill at the border, sometimes more. They then have to take a flight all the way to Turkey, usually a midnight flight. So it takes at least 24 hours and every trip is like that. They’re kind of used to it now, but I know it never gets easier."
