What: Euro 2012 Group D
Who: England vs Ukraine
When: Tuesday 19th June, 2012, at 19:45 UK time
Where: Donbass Arena, Dontesk, Ukraine
Rising Expectations
Little was expected from England before Euro 2012, with the fact that Roy Hodgson had been appointed just weeks before the tournament meaning the focus was very much on using the summer as a springboard for the 2014 World Cup. But Hodgson has made England solid and, in a group littered with banana skins, has kept the Three Lions on their feet after drawing with France and beating Sweden. Now, with Wayne Rooney back after suspension, confidence is growing in the England camp.
Just a draw against the co-hosts will be good enough to book a quarter-finals spot, but Hodgson will still have his eyes on topping the group; it can be done and would mean avoiding Group C winners Spain in the next round – that could mean the difference between reaching the semi-finals or exiting in the quarter-finals.
England will need to get their approach spot on against a Ukraine side that need to win. That actually may make things easier for Hodgson, who should set out to hit Ukraine on the counter attack and, with the speed of Theo Walcott, Ashley Young and, if required, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, he has just the right players to make that plan a success. The return of Rooney could also inspire England to step up a gear in attack and the Manchester United man will be raring to go.
Make Or Break
Ukraine were brought back down to earth against France in their second Group D game. After rallying from 1-0 down to beat Sweden 2-1, the Ukrainians then suffered a 2-0 defeat as France’s superior technical ability shone through. The game had been delayed due to torrential rain, but even that did not stop Les Bleus from making two second half breakthroughs with some slick moves.
The co-hosts admitted that France were technically better, but hope for more a level playing field against England. And Ukraine coach Oleh Blokhin knows that England will be under pressure to perform, something which may be able to work to his side’s advantage.
"Our approach to the game is more relaxed", insisted Blokhin. "If the result is not good for us, but we fight until the last minute, that’s not bad for us. We’re building a new team, a young team. I think England will be very nervous."
Urged on by 50,000 Ukrainians, Blokhin is surely more confident than he admits.
Recent form
England:
England 1-0 Belgium (02/06; Friendly)
France 1-1 England (11/06; Euro 2012)
Sweden 2-3 England (15/06; Euro 2012)
Ukraine:
Turkey 2-0 Ukraine (05/06; Friendly)
Ukraine 2-1 Sweden (11/06; Euro 2012)
Ukraine 0-2 France (15/06; Euro 2012)
Players to watch
England – Steven Gerrard: While the spotlight will fall upon the returning Wayne Rooney, it is Gerrard who is the man capable of delivering the pin-point passes from which the forward can flourish. The England captain’s ball for Andy Carroll to score against Sweden was sublime and he looks to be getting into his groove.
Ukraine – Andriy Voronin: A spell to forget with Liverpool was Voronin’s only experience with English football, but the 32-year-old is now back to his best with Dynamo Moscow. A hard-working forward, Voronin will be keen to make an impression and fire his country through, while also showing the country he flopped in just what he can do.
Match Prediction
England are high on confidence and surely have the talent to put Ukraine to the sword, but the Three Lions must beware overconfidence. Hodgson’s men conceded twice against Sweden and could well have conceded even more. Their defence then is more than capable of crumbling under Ukrainian pressure. Expect Ukraine to score, but England to ultimately get the point they need. England 1-1 Ukraine.
For the very best odds on England v Ukraine and all Euro 2012 matches, make sure you visit TXODDS.com.
>> Read about the best bets for England v Ukraine.
