Mykhaylo Mudryk’s poor start to life in England hit a new low as he had a difficult time while on international duty with Ukraine against the Three Lions at Wembley.
The hosts cruised to a 2-0 victory with goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, with Ukraine failing to lay a glove on Gareth Southgate’s side.
In the build up to Kane’s opener, Saka brushed aside Mudryk who failed to do enough to shut down the Arsenal star’s cross. It was that passage of play that sparked criticism from Steven Gerrard, who was on punditry duty for Channel 4 covering the game.
“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,” the ex-England international explained.
“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.”
Arsenal supporters may have taken an extra bit of pleasure in the fact that it was Mudryk that Saka beat all ends up, given how close the club came to landing the winger before snubbing them for their London rivals.
Another forner England star was less than impressed with Mudryk’s display, specifically in the first-half, as Stuart Peace suggested he was being played out of position.
“If I was Ukraine, I would get Mudryk on the opposite side of the pitch,” he told talkSPORT at half-time. “Because at the moment, he’s up against somebody that has got his number.
“Walker has certainly got his number. He’s done nothing in the game Mudryk, and he’s arguably one of their better players.”
Things failed to improve for Mudryk after the break and the Chelsea winger was hooked by Ukraine boss Ruslan Rotan shortly after the hour mark.
