Andriy Shevchenko has promised that his Ukraine side won’t be intimidated when they face England in Rome on Saturday.
The Ukrainians booked a date with the Three Lions in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals after securing an extra-time win over Sweden at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
A last-gasp goal by substitute Artem Dovbyk handed Shevchenko’s side victory in Glasgow, and they now stand in the way of Gareth Southgate’s men.
England will be heavy favourites, but former Chelsea and AC Milan hitman Shevchenko insists his side won’t be scared when the two face off.
"England are a great team, they have a deep bench, an outstanding coaching staff and we are fully aware how tough this game is going to be," Shevchenko said post-game.
"I saw all their three group matches, not today's win over Germany because we had to prepare for our own game with Sweden.
“They are incredibly difficult to score against but their strength shouldn't scare us.
“It should motivate us because everything is possible in football as in life and we will play our hearts out to give our fans even more to cheer about."
Oleksandr Zinchenko played a key role in Ukraine’s win over Sweden, scoring their first and teeing up their extra-time winner with a magnificent cross.
The Manchester City man will now come up against a number of his teammates at the Etihad, including Raheem Sterling, who has scored three of England’s four goals at Euro 2020 so far.
"Sterling is one of the best wingers in the world and right now he is making all the difference for England," said Zinchenko.
"We will need to be at our very best in defence to stop him but it will be difficult because he is on a roll."
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While England remain unbeaten, Ukraine have reached the last eight despite losses to Netherlands and Austria in the group stage, only reaching the knockout stages as one of the best third place teams and coming in for criticism at home.
Zinchenko added: "It was difficult for me to adjust because a lot of criticism was poured on the whole team and on me in particular.
“Today, we have proved to the whole of Europe that we can achieve our goals.
"I would like to thank the fans, all those who managed to come to the stadium. This is a historic achievement and they should rejoice because moments like this are rare."
