Ukraine star Oleksandr Zinchenko admits there are 'no friends' on the pitch ahead of England clash
- Planet Sport writer
- 25 March 2023
Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko will put friendships aside when Ukraine tackle England at Wembley.
Sunday's match is Ukraine's first of the Euro 2024 qualification campaign and will be played against a background of the continuing war in the country following Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Zinchenko, who joined the Gunners from Manchester City last July, appreciated the solidarity he was shown by colleagues and also the wider support of the country as a whole.
"I love them all so much, but unfortunately on the pitch there are no friends, so let's see what is going to happen tomorrow," Zinchenko said.
"(Arsenal and England forward) Bukayo (Saka) has not given me the line-up yet, but I am going to push as much as I can."
Zinchenko told a press conference: "I got a lot of support from all of them (team-mates), for which I am so grateful.
"I would like to also say a massive thanks to all of the UK for all of the help and support for all of us Ukrainians, for the country, our people all of the refugees who are living here.
"It is so important for us. Without your support, it would be so difficult and tough. We really appreciate it."
Reflecting on the continuing war in his homeland, Zinchenko said: "There is no one in the country who has not been affected.
"It is about 397 days since terrorists invaded our country, and I would call these 397 days, 'nightmare'.
"Everyone in Ukraine lost something - maybe a house, job, properties - everyone has completely changed since then, that is for sure."
England kicked off their European Championship Group C qualifying campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory in Italy.
Zinchenko said: "We realise the strength of the England team, but we have to show our best performance and play the best games of our lives.
"We will be fighting for our country and for everyone who will be watching this game. It is a huge task."
Ukraine warmed up with a friendly against Brentford B on Thursday, winning 2-0 at AFC Wimbledon's Plough Lane.
Interim head coach Ruslan Rotan said: "We know there will an amazing atmosphere at Wembley.
"We consider England as one of the top five teams in the world. We dream of playing in such matches, we enjoy them.
"Tomorrow in this beautiful country in a beautiful stadium, we are ready to show a great game. We will fight for a result that will suit us."
