'We will not give our country away' - Zinchenko vow on Russian threat to Ukraine

Zinchenko, who has captained his nation on three occasions, started his career at Russian club FC Ufa and took to Instagram to open up about his view on the threat to his home nation.

A caption accompanying a map of his country read: "The whole civilized world is worried about the situation in my country. I can't stay away and try to convey my opinion.

"In the photo - my country. The country where I was born and raised. A country whose colours I defend in the international sports arena.

"A country that we try to glorify and develop. A country whose borders must remain inviolable. My country belongs to Ukrainians and no one will ever be able to appropriate it. We will not give up! Glory to Ukraine."

UK health secretary Sajid Javid stated on Tuesday morning that Russia had 'sent in tanks and troops' in to Ukraine and believes 'the invasion of Ukraine has begun'.

Football could be affected by the current political situation in eastern Europe with the Champions League final currently set to be played in St Petersburg, Russia, at the end of the season.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss told Times Radio the event should not go ahead given the actions of Russia president Vladimir Putin.

"Russia has denied the existence of another sovereign state,"she told Times Radio. "It is preparing for a full scale invasion of Ukraine.

"It's been widely condemned by the international community. I think it would be completely wrong for a football tournament to take place there."