Preview of England v Ukraine

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In Group D, England face co-hosts Ukraine tonight as they look to qualify for the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. The Three Lions need only a point from the match to achieve the feat however it will be another stern test at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk. Ukraine come into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat by France which means that Oleg Blokhin's men will have to beat England in order to progress to the last eight.


It looks to be an intriguing match in prospect tonight as England welcome back their star player Wayne Rooney from suspension. The Manchester United striker missed the first two group matches as a punishment for his red card in Montenegro where he kicked out at Miodrag Dzukovic. He is more than likely to start however England boss Roy Hodgson has the difficult decision of choosing Rooney's striking partner between Andy Carroll and Danny Welbeck who scored in the dramatic 3-2 win over Sweden in Kiev. The pair played very well on Friday evening especially Andy Carroll after his criticisms of his form since signing for Liverpool in January 2011.

LOOK WHO'S BACK: Wayne Rooney

Roy Hodgson received the news that Theo Walcott is fit for the match in Donetsk after the Arsenal man suffered a slight hamstring strain in training. His instant impact was the key in England's win over Sweden after equalising at 2-2 and crossed for Danny Welbeck to flick home the winner. Despite the news of Walcott's fitness, Hodgson is rumoured to keep him on the bench tonight as James Milner looks to keep his place on the right of midfield. The re-introduction of Rooney is looking to be the only change to the England side with the knowledge of that their fate is in their own hands. 


Over the weekend, The FA Chairman Sir Dave Richards stated that: "Roy [Hodgson] seems to have that little bit of a Midas touch." It would be a remarkable appointment if Roy Hodgson was to guide England over the rainbow to find their treasure which is Euro 2012 however there is the more important matter of progressing to the quarter-finals. England will have to learn from the Sweden win in terms of keeping the ball for longer periods as they seemed to give possession very cheaply. Hodgson may have turned the Three Lions into an organised force however they cannot give the opposition the chance to catch them out especially against a determined Ukraine. 

The co-hosts must win in Donetsk to qualify for their first ever European Championship quarter-final which will be a tough task however they will have the advantage of the home crowd outnumbering the travelling England fans. They couldn't capitalise on their opening win over Sweden as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to one of the favourites France as the same stadium which they will look to record their first win in it tonight. Ukraine have played four times at the Donbass Arena and are still yet to win as they have drawn one and lost the remaining three of those matches. Coach Oleg Blokhin has admitted that he is short of attacking options as he was told that former Chelsea and AC Milan striker, Andriy Shevchenko is rated as a '50-50 chance' by the team doctor to be involved against England as he is struggling with a knee problem. Shevchenko's striking partner Andriy Voronin said, "It is the biggest game in the country's history. For us it's a very important game, not just the whole team but for the whole country." 

Will Shevchenko feature against England?

Probable line-ups:

                                        England                                                                                                Ukraine