England: second-half
England were reduced to 10 men after only quarter-of-an-hour: a punt from the Ukraine defence was misjudged by Rio Ferdinand which allowed Milevskiy a clear run at goal. The Ukranian forward was brought down by Robert Green in the box which meant a red card for Green and a penalty. David James came on as replacement, meaning that a sharp-looking Aaron Lennon had to make way. Shevchenko missed from the spot.
The home side did eventually secure a goal advantage. England looked to be playing neatly out of defence until Ashley Cole gifted the ball to Ukraine on the edge of the box. His endeavour to recover merely led to him deflecting Nazarenko’s shot past James into the net. England nearly replied straight away when Rooney played in Frank Lampard, but his shot narrowly missed the far post.
England contained Ukraine reasonably well in the first period, but under Fabio Capello’s reorganization at half-time they looked better in the second-half. If anything they shaded the second period although they didn’t make many clear goalscoring opportunities. Glen Johnson seemed to have plenty of freedom on the right and he pushed forward well in support of the attack. But the only time Ukraine really broke England down in the second-half was when Johnson was caught in possession: from the resultant break, Yarmalenko was given clear sight of goal but James saved well with his legs.
Ukraine, needing a win to secure a play-off spot, looked a touch nervy despite their numerical advantage and were perhaps fortunate, as a draw would have been a fair result.
Screengrab
It’s hard to draw too many conclusions from this match, but the defence has been leaky throughout the qualifiers and lapses in concentration ultimately led to defeat in this game. Lampard and Rooney were England’s best players, as they have been throughout the campaign. Michael Carrick (in his first appearance in a competitive fixture under Capello) did well enough in central midfield but not well enough to supplant Gareth Barry. If Owen Hargreaves returns to fitness, Carrick may not make the squad for South Africa.
7 Glen Johnson: He was like Garrincha on the right flank, but this did leave a gap at the back.
7 David James: Excellent shot-stopping kept England in the game.
7 Wayne Rooney: Lively on both flanks following reduction to 10 men.
7 Frank Lampard: Sound in central midfield and also broke into goalscoring positions.
7 John Terry: A redoubtable display helped to keep Ukraine’s forwards subdued.6 Emile Heskey: Well suited to a game which required effort rather than clinical finishing.
6 Carlton Cole: Only on for a short period, but good strength created a chance for Rooney.
6 James Milner: Put in an energetic showing as Gerrard’s replacement.
6 Steven Gerrard: Diligent when England went down to 10 men without shining.
6 Rio Ferdinand: Indecisiveness led to Ukraine penalty and Green’s sending off, but otherwise secure.
6 Michael Carrick: Solid enough at the base of midfield, but most long-range passes missed their target.5 Ashley Cole: Clownery on the edge of the box gifted Ukraine the winning goal.