Ukraine's World Cup qualifier against England in Turkey carries heavy emotional weight for Nicole Kozlova and her teammates. The ongoing Russian invasion has forced Ukraine to play all international matches away from home since 2021, with the upcoming game in Antalya marking another chapter in their disrupted football journey.

Kozlova describes the daily hardships her teammates endure back in Ukraine, from power outages to air raid sirens interrupting training and matches. Players often travel two days just to reach neutral venues, including 15-hour train rides and midnight flights. The forward shares how games are deliberately scheduled for morning kickoffs to minimize air raid disruptions, turning what should be 90-minute matches into five-hour ordeals.

Despite these challenges, Kozlova emphasizes the team's determination to represent their country with pride. The squad refuses to use their circumstances as excuses, focusing instead on delivering results on the pitch. For Kozlova, wearing the Ukraine shirt now represents something deeper than sport - it's about resilience and hope for a future when they can finally play at home again.