Four reasons why England will beat Ukraine

10 September 2013 10:17

England travel to Ukraine this evening for what should prove to be the pivotal clash of their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Roy Hodgson's men top Group H with 15 points, and are yet to face defeat. However, Montenegro and Ukraine are both breathing down their necks. England, currently on 15 points and top of the ladder face a tough battle for automatic qualification with Montenegro (15 points) and Ukraine (14 points).

Win or even draw and the Three Lions will feel far more comfortable about their prospects. Defeat, however, would leave them struggling to earn an automatic spot at World Cup 2014.

Here's a look at a few reasons why England will emerge victorious this evening.

England simply NEED a result

Roy Hodgson cast off any notion of conservatism by insisting that England will go in for the kill in their crunch clash against Ukraine.

Hodgson has been criticised - most recently by his own fans - for being too cautious in his approach to international management.

His squad may be depleted by injury and Ukraine may be unbeaten in their last six matches, but Hodgson wants a victory on Tuesday to put his team three points clear with just two games left.

"These are two good teams who are in form and are capable of winning the group so it's a bit of a cup final and when you play in a cup final you don't necessarily win games by being cautious," the England boss said.

Hodgson will set out his team to attack Ukraine this evening, the question is, can they do it?

The buzz around Frank Lampard

Roy Hodgson confirmed that midfielder Frank Lampard will win his 100th cap against Ukraine in the World Cup Group H qualifier on Tuesday night.

It will be another milestone in a magnificent career that has seen the 35-year-old win three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and captain Chelsea to glory in both the Champions League and Europa League.

"Lampard will play tomorrow night," Hodgson said.

"That's quite a first. I'm happy to have been part of that. All things being equal Frank will play and start the game tomorrow and win his 100th cap

Surely, with Frank Lampard making his 100th appearnance the England team will rise to the occasion for the 35 year old midfielder?

Rickie Lambert

Roy Hodgson has been quick to ease the pressure off Rickie Lambert's shoulders after his recent heroics. The 31 year old has two goals in two games for England thus far, as well as two assists.

Hodgson had this to say on his new talisman: “I would like to play down Rickie for his own sake because it is almost a fairytale that you get selected at 31 having played in the lower leagues, then come on in your debut and score a fantastic centre-forward's goal."

"On top of that you then play an important game, score one, set up two and look as though you have never been outside an England set-up in your life.

"That is some achievement.

"I am bit worried we are going to hang a bit too much on him (tonight).

"The important thing is that he plays his part in the team and makes certain he doesn't let us down in any way.”

Who knows how Rickie Lambert will perform in the biggest game of his career tonight. However, if he can continue his impressive form as of late, England will surely be in a stronger position.

An oppourtunity for England to prove themselves

This is one of Roy Hodgson's biggest game's as England boss. A win here will surely cement England's participation at the World Cup in Brazil 2014.

Tonight's game will give the England players the oppourtunity to prove to themselves, the boss and the fans how desperate they are to qualify for the biggest prize in world football.

England have always been lamented a side who can't do to the big teams what they do to the smaller, who will tonight's game be any different?

England Predicted Line-Up:

Joe Hart; Kyle Walker, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Ashley Cole; Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Jack Wilshere; Theo Walcott, Rickie Lambert, James Milner.

 

Source: DSG