It took until the 41st minute for England to carve open a genuine chance at Wembley, against an organised away team that struggled to create their own opportunities.
Bukayo Saka, regularly picked out wide on the right with crossfield passes, collected the ball to swing an inch-perfect cross for Harry Kane to stab home his 55th goal for country - following a pre-game ceremony to honour his record-breaking feat during the week.
How Ukraine responded would prove key to the flow of the game, as England were more than capable of making the most of finally being awarded space to attack into if the visitors pushed upfield.
Only moments later, Saka made the most of just that, drifting inside to fire a delightful left-footed shot into the top corner for 2-0 at the break.
An air of confidence exuded over Wembley as England settled into a second-gear second half.
Jude Bellingham was caught by Saka’s low cross into the six-yard box being played just behind the teenager, who once again enjoyed a fine game in midfield.
Ukraine, ultimately, failed to threaten getting back into the game and failed to manage a shot in the second half as England cruised home while handing Ivan Toney a debut ten minutes from the end.
