Romania vs Ukraine – Euro 2024: Live score, team news and updates as Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko starts at left back, with Premier League target Artem Dovbyk up front
Inside the dressing rooms
The final preparations are well underway with around 45 minutes until kick-off in Munich.
Here is a peek inside the dressing rooms with the match shirts lined up for the players.
Which of these names will be the key man this afternoon?
ROMANIA TEAM NEWS
A familar face for Tottenham fans with their January signing Radu Dragusin starting at the heart of Romania’s defence.
Captain Nicole Stanciu is one of just two players in the Romanian squad to have been to a major international tournament before.
Romania: Nita, Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu, Razvan Marin, Marius Marin, Man, Stanciu, Coman, Dragus
UKRAINE TEAM NEWS
Some very familiar names in Ukraine’s starting line-up.
Three Premier League representatives in Zinchenko, Mudryk and Zabarnyi from Arsenal, Chelsea and Bournemouth respectively.
Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin is between the posts and La Liga’s top scorer Artem Dovbyk leads the line.
Transfer gossip column watchers will also been keen to watch Georgiy Sudakov.
The 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk star has been touted with a potential big money move this summer.
Ukraine star Illia Zabarnyi pays tribute to the ‘warriors that defend our country’ ahead of Euro 2024 opener
Ukraine’s Illia Zabarnyi has also been speaking about the impact of the war pre-match.
The Bournemouth defender has paid tribute to those fighting at home to defend the country,’ Zabarnyi said.
‘I think the fact I am here now, it’s down to our warriors who defend our country. They are incredible people who with bravery win everything. I am so grateful to them.
‘The major difference with the previous Euros is that, because there is war in our country and it’s very difficult when you wake up and you think what happens to your friends at home.
‘Of course it can pressurise everyone, but it adds great motivation to come on to the pitch and to do everything possible.’
Ukraine star pays tribute to ‘warriors that defend our country’
Hopes high for Ukraine at Euro 2024 but thoughts remain at home
Ukraine have been touted as possible dark horses at Euro 2024 given their talented squad, but their presence alone remains remarkable given the ongoing war back home.
Legendary forward and Ukraine Football Association president Andriy Shevchenko has today been highlighting the impact of the war.
Shevchenko has taken part in the unveiling of an installation in Munich which features damaged seats from the Sonyachny stadium in Kharkiv.
The stadium had been built for Euro 2012 but has been damaged by Russian shelling in the war.
Shevchenko was pictured with children holding a sign reading ‘My national team is as invincible as my country’.
Fans attending the match are also able to wear virtual reality glasses showing the Sonyachny stadium.
Romania fans soaking in the pre-match atmosphere
Looks like a glorious day in Munich with fans making their way to the Allianz Arena in the sunshine.
Romania fans certainly look to be soaking it all up ahead of their team’s return to an international tournament.
Their last appearance at a major finals came at Euro 2016, where it is fair to say their impact was limited.
Romania finished bottom of their group with just one point. Both of their goals also came from the penalty spot.
They will be hoping for much better this time around.
Good afternoon!
It is all eyes on Munich for the first match of the day at Euro 2024 as Romania and Ukraine get the ball rolling in Group E.
With Belgium and Slovakia completing the group line-up it should be a very open tussle to see which teams advance to the knock-out stage.
Romania and Ukraine will be keen to get off to the perfect start this afternoon.
Stay with us for all the team news and updates from the 2pm kick off.
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