The Manchester City defender squared the Euro 2024 qualifier four minutes before the break after latching onto a lofted ball before prodding home with cool composure. Former Blues star Oleksandr Zinchenko had opened the scoring for Ukraine on 26 minutes, the game ending 1-1.
Walker, 33, had previously gone 76 England games without a goal to his name, something had been nagging at the player in recent times. He told Channel 4: Its just a relief. Obviously to represent your country and be as fortunate as I have this many times, but to not score, its been on my mind. But now I can tick that off.
England boss Gareth Southgate sang the praises of his mainstay defender, telling TV: He [Walker] covered a very quick winger, he use the ball well and showed great composure for the goal. He is a very important player for our group.”
England will now have to wait until October to secure qualification to Germany Euro 2024 with the draw at the Wroclaw Stadium in Poland – the venue in which Ukraine host their home games amid Russias invasion of their homeland – wiping the visitors&apos 100 per cent group qualifying record.
Walker reacted to the draw diplomatically, saying: Its a point away from home. I think were in a good position in the group. It was always going to be tough coming here, theyre a proud nation.
In front of goal I thought we lacked the cutting edge we normally have, but sometimes you have to take those games. Come away from home, take a point and move on. We know we can do better, but we move on to Tuesday now, which is obviously a massive game.
England travel to Hampden Park to take on Scotland in next weeks friendly.
