Sports Mole brings you live coverage of the World Cup qualifier between England and Ukraine at Wembley Stadium.
Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of tonight's World Cup qualifier between England and Ukraine at Wembley Stadium.
England began their Group H campaign with a 5-0 win over Moldova on Friday, but Ukraine were not in action in the opening round of fixtures.
The two teams last met during Euro 2012 when a Wayne Rooney goal handed England all three points, but the battle for World Cup qualification now takes main focus.
Ukraine have played just one match since losing to England in Donetsk – a 0-0 friendly draw with the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, tonight will also be their first competitive match since the retirement of long-serving striker Andriy Shevchenko.
Please note that kickoff is at 8pm.
10pmSo there we have it. Our full report of the match can be found here. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good night! 9.58pmFULL-TIME: Serbia 6-1 Wales, Northern Ireland 1-1 Luxembourg, Scotland 1-1 Macedonia. 9.56pmGood point for England? Or two points dropped? You would have to say the former after the way the evening developed. 9.54pmSo there we have it. England secure a point courtesy of a late penalty from Frank Lampard. Yevhen Konoplyanka handed the away side a first-half lead with a glorious strike, but England twice struck the post through Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley as they searched for the equaliser. It evenutally came after 87 minutes as they made it four points from two matches in Group H. 90 min+3Gerrard will miss next month's clash with San Marino following his dismissal. Meanwhile, this one looks to be heading for a draw. 90 min+3Meanwhile, final change for Ukraine as Rotan is replaced by Serhiy Nazarenko. 90 min+2Brilliant play from Milner as he dances into the box before standing a cross up for Sturridge, but the danger is cleared. 90 minWe will play an additional four minutes at the end of the match. Can England find a winner? 89 minMeanwhile, change for Ukraine as Zozulya is replaced by Marko Devic. 89 minRED CARD: Gerrard is sent off for a foul on Garmash. It was the correct decision. 89 minSuddenly it's all England as they search for a winner in the final moments. Can Ukraine hold on to secure a point? 87 minLampard smashes the ball home from the spot to level it at 1-1. 87 minGOAL! England 1-1 Ukraine (Lampard) 86 minEngland are awarded a penalty as Gusev handles in the box. Lampard to take. 85 minThe match has just exploded as both teams flood forward, but still Ukraine lead. We need to have another look at that penalty shout. 85 minStrong penalty claim for England as Welbeck is felled in the box by Garmash, but the referee waves play on. Meanwhile, Hart denies Zozulya down the other end. 83 minChance! Best opportunity of the night for England as Gerrard finds Welbeck in the box, but he smashes the post from close range. How has he not scored?! 83 minKonoplyanka has been the star for Ukraine this evening as he dances past Johnson, but his cross is cleared by Jagielka. Still England trail. 81 minChance for England as Gerrard finds the head of Jagielka from a free kick, but Pyatov punches the ball clear. It's all England at the moment. 79 minEngland continue to struggle for a way through as Ukraine remain solid in defence. There is just no room to play in the middle of the park. 77 minAnother sighter for England as Defoe strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the bar. 75 minUkraine make their first change of the evening as Selin is replaced by Vyacheslav Shevchuk. Little under 15 minutes remaining at Wembley. 73 minFinal change for England as Ryan Bertrand replaces Baines on the left side of the defence. 73 minHalf-chance for England as Milner whips a dangerous cross into the box, but it's just too high for Defoe. Meanwhile, has anyone seen Frank Lampard? 71 minEngland just need some sort of inspiration at the moment with Ukraine controlling the ball. It would be such a blow to lose this evening. 69 minChance! Excellent play from Johnson as he cuts inside the Ukraine full-back, but his strike is pushed wide by Pyatov. Meanwhile, change for England as Sturridge replaces Oxlade-Chamberlain. 67 minBetter play from the home side as Johnson plays a one-two with Milner, but Selin is on hand to clear the danger. You just cannot see a goal coming at the moment. 65 minIt remains sloppy from England as they struggle to find a final ball. At the moment, Ukraine look the bigger threat on the counter. It's all gone ever so quiet. 63 minChange for England as Danny Welbeck comes on to replace his Manchester United teammate Danny Welbeck. That was a sub that needed to be made with 30 minutes remaining. 61 minIt just isn't quite happening for England at the moment as another attack breaks down. I'm not entirely sure why Michael Carrick is not playing - he would be just perfect for this match. 59 minChance! It's brilliant play from Konoplyanka as he dances into the England box, but his low cross is just cut out by Baines. How good has the goalscorer been this evening?! 57 minAnother sighter for England as Gerrard attempts to find the head of Lescott inside the box, but Gusev thumps it clear. Meanwhile, Hodgson does not look happy on the England bench. 55 minRotan is in trouble here as he collides with Gerrard - and gets a shiner for his troubles. That was dangerous play from the Liverpool man. 53 minSighter for England as Defoe fires an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. There are definitely more goals in this one. 51 minNow it's Ukraine's chance to go close as Yarmolenko whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Johnson clips it behind. Again it's end-to-end football at Wembley. 49 minChance! Clear opening for England as Johnson fires a low cross into the box, but it just evades Defoe. The home side look in the mood in the second period. 47 minEarly booking for Defoe as he elbows Tymoshchuk. It was a bit clumsy. Meanwhile, England are dominating the football in the early stages. 46 minHere we go then. Ukraine kick us off in the second period. Can England rescue this one at Wembley? 9.02pmMeanwhile, here's a word from former England boss Graham Taylor on the BBC: "Ukraine have been the better side, but England have had the chances and it is up to them to take them. England have plenty of injuries and there isn't perhaps the depth on the bench tonight. But this is a competitive game now and England have to find a way to win it. Ukraine have got some very, very good players. Of those 11 players, 10 of them are playing in their home country. I find that very interesting in today's football." 9pmHere's a word from former Manchester United and Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy on Twitter: "England deserve that for not taking our chances! Need to be more clinical." Well said Ruud. What a player he was by the way. 8.58pmMeanwhile, Roy Keane has criticised England for their defending for the goal. They might have got out quicker. You live and learn. 8.56pmUpdate: Serbia 4-1 Wales, Northern Ireland 1-0 Luxembourg, Scotland 1-1 Macedonia. 8.54pmOxlade-Chamberlain just has not influenced the match for England, while Roy Hodgson may look to introduce support for Defoe in the second period. 8.52pmI don't think many people would have expected Ukraine to turn up and play how they have this evening. Their passing has been short and sharp, while they look a real threat in wide areas. 8.50pmIn truth, there has not been a great deal wrong with England's performance, but they enter the interval behind. There will be a concern about the defence, however, which has looked slightly shaky. 8.48pmSo there we have it. A wonderful strike from Konoplyanka hands Ukraine a half-time lead over England. The home side might have led early on when Jermain Defoe bent an effort into the top corner, but he was penalised for a foul on Yarmolenko. Cleverley has had two glorious chances to open England's tally, while he struck the crossbar in the final moments of the half. 45 min+2England continue to probe as the half approaches its latter stages, but it appears Ukraine have done enough to lead at the break. 45 minMeanwhile, we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half - as Cleverley rattles the post. 45 minChance! Another fine opportunity for England as Lampard finds Cleverley in the box, but he fires it wide of the target. He really should have scored. 43 minShouts of hand-ball as Milner strikes an effort from close range, but the referee is not interested as we approach the interval. 43 minIt's been a decent response from England as Cleverley whips a dangerous cross into the box, but it is just too long for Defoe. Can they level it before the break? 41 minNot an awful lot that England could have done about that strike, but Johnson perhaps could have been tighter. But that's clutching at straws, it was just a great strike. 39 minIt is just wonderful from Konoplyanka as he bends an effort into the top corner. That was just lovely. 39 minGOAL! England 0-1 Ukraine (Konoplyanka) 38 minSighter for Ukraine as Zozulya gathers possession inside the box, but he fires it over the bar. Where has this first half gone? It's been a really enjoyable 38 minutes. 36 minThey are the type of opportunities that you simply have to take. Defoe did look slightly offside as he headed it into the box, but the flag stayed down. 35 minChance! Oh my word! Cleverley will never have an easier chance in his life as he pounces on the ball yards from goal, but he fires it straight at Pyatov. What a chance. 33 minTwo-thirds of the opening half of football has been played and we remain level at 0-0. England are on the ball as we speak, but it is extremely tight in the Ukraine half. 31 minChance! Another opening for Ukraine as Denys Garmash meets a Rotan cross in the box, but he can only clip it high of the bar. 30 minReal end-to-end football at the moment with Defoe and Yarmolenko coming close at either end. Fascinating battle as both sides pass and probe. 28 minChance! England's best opportunity as Milner drives into the box, but Selin challenges at the final moment to send it behind for a corner - which Jagielka heads straight at Zozulya. 26 minEngland build from the back once more with Gerrard and Lampard crafting in midfield. However, the final ball is just lacking at the moment. 24 minWe haven't seen much from Ukraine after a lively start. Although, clear-cut chances have been few and far between for both sides. 24 minJust an update from Serbia: Wales trail 3-1 at the break. They have an awful lot to do in the second period. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland lead Luxembourg and Macedonia lead Scotland. 22 minSighter for England as Gerrard attempts to find Milner inside the box, but Andriy Pyatov is on hand to make the save. Bit of invention from the home side. 20 minWe haven't seen much from Oxlade-Chamberlain or Cleverley in the early stages. Meanwhile, Milner appears to be playing a more central role. It's pass, pass, pass for the home side with 20 minutes played. 18 minFour of the away side's front five are 22 or under. That does not surprise me. They have been so so lively. Now it isn't all about Shevchenko. 16 minThe crowd have just settled after a lively opening. But the match shows no signs of slowing down as both sides continue to attack. The first goal appears to be on its way. I hope I have not cursed it! 14 minChance! So nearly 1-0 for Ukraine as Rotan guides the ball past Hart, but Gerrard just clears the danger. It's all happening at Wembley. 13 minIt's better from England as Oxlade-Chamberlain dances into the box, but he is just crowded out at the vital moment. Real end-to-end stuff with 13 minutes played. 11 minIt's harsh on England, but very positive from Defoe. That should spark the home side into life. It's been a really good start to this qualifier. 10 minEngland have the ball in the back of the net as Jermain Defoe whips a wonderful strike into the top corner. However, the referee blows for a foul on Yarmolenko. There was nothing in it. 10 minChance! Clearest opening of the match for Ukraine as Zozulya finds Yarmolenko in the box, but Hart just clears the danger. Is this Spain we are watching? England are just not in it at the moment. 8 minThe crowd are just trying to get England started as Lampard and Gerrard pass it around in midfield. Meanwhile, Glen Johnson's cross is just cleared by Yevhen Selin. We have a game here. 6 minIt's all Ukraine at the moment with Zozulya causing all sorts of problems inside the England box, but Lescott just manages to clear the danger. They look a really nice side early on. 4 minSighter for Ukraine as Denys Garmash fires a cross into the box, but Hart just palms it away. Dangerous moments for England. 4 minExtremely high tempo to the early stages with both sides exchanging possession. But it's Ukraine who are just beginning to play some really nice stuff. 2 minJust as I say that it's a bit nervy from England as Roman Zozulya closes Joe Hart down - and the goalkeeper just gets away with it. Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard seems to have taken a knock early on. 1 minEngland kick us off in London - and immediately gain control of the ball with short, snappy passing. 7.59pmFinal word from me on tonight's match. It will be tight. But it's 2-1 England for me. I just cannot see them not winning this match. 7.57pmNow it's England's turn. And how wrong was I? They are all singing. Hart the loudest. Let's get this show on the road. 7.55pmNational anthem time. Ukraine first. Some dodgy voices on display, but they are all singing. Somehow I doubt that will be the case with England. 7.55pmThe teams are just being presented to FA chairman David Bernstein. The away team have plenty of smiles on display. Meanwhile, there are a fair few empty seats truth be told. 7.53pmRight, the players are ready. I am ready. Are you ready? Both sets of players are emerging onto the Wembley turf. 7.51pmThere has been a goal in Serbia with Aleksandar Kolarov handing the home side a 1-0 lead over Wales. Not the start they would have wanted! 7.49pmWhat about the subs for tonight I hear you ask? England: Ruddy, Walker, Bertrand, Cahill, Carrick, Livermore, Lallana, Sturridge, Welbeck, Sterling, Butland.Ukraine: Koval, Shevchuk, Bezus, Mandzyuk, Nazarenko, Stepanenko, Butko, Devic, Dykan.
7.46pmMeanwhile, Roy Keane has just offered Adrian Chiles a bet that England will top the group. They really should do with the quality of their opponents. 7.44pmWembley is just beginning to fill up nicely. We are unsure of the exact numbers at the moment - but a good turnout is expected. 7.42pmJust a reminder that Wales have kicked off against Serbia. They really need to get something there that's for certain. 7.40pmHot topic: What do we think of the likes of Ryan Bertrand, Adam Lallana, Jake Livermore and Raheem Sterling on the bench? All good young players, but Juan Mata, Santi Cazorla and the like sit on the bench for Spain. That's the difference. 7.38pmWhat about Tom Cleverley and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain? It's another big chance for the young duo to make their mark in international football. 7.36pmWe are just about 25 minutes away from kickoff this evening. Routine England win. Opinions? Roy Keane and Gareth Southgate seem to think so in the ITV studio. 7.34pmNot exactly full of star-studded names, but they do have danger men. Yaroslav Rakitskiy is considered as one of the best young defenders in Europe. Meanwhile, Andriy Yarmolenko was a real star at Euro 2012. 7.32pmUkraine: Platov; Gusiev, Khacheridi, Rakitskiy, Selin; Tymoshchuk, Garmash, Yarmolenko, Rotan, Konoplianka; Zozulia. 7.30pmHere we go then. The Ukraine team news has just reached us. Wait for it... 7.28pmBut it isn't all about England tonight. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all also in action. A host of club managers will be hoping the night ends with no problems! 7.26pmEngland defender Rio Ferdinand has been on Twitter in the past hour: "Dinner just got destroyed, get the kids to bed in a bit then ready to watch the boys for England vs Ukraine. 2-1 England (Lampard + Defoe)." I would go along with that Rio. I do not think it will be straightforward - it never is! 7.24pmJust a reminder that we are still waiting for the team news from Ukraine. Wish me luck in spelling their names! It is always fun. 7.22pmThe home side are without a number of first-team players this evening. John Terry, Theo Walcott, Daniel Sturridge, Wayne Rooney, Gareth Barry and Ashley Cole to name but a few. Therefore this evening is another chance for the youngsters to impress. 7.20pmSouthampton midfielder Adam Lallana could also make his international debut this evening - with the 24-year-old a late addition along with Tottenham's Jake Livermore. 7.18pmMeanwhile, tonight could see Raheem Sterling make his international debut for England. The Liverpool midfielder is 17 years and 225 days old this evening - and could join the likes of Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney in the record books. 7.16pmUkraine coach Oleg Blokhin has lost four of his 10 international matches in charge since returning in 2011 - and there were signs this summer that they could achieve success in the coming years. 7.14pmIn terms of recent numbers - it does not look great for Ukraine. They have won just one of their last six games - a 2-1 win over Sweden. Meanwhile, England have not lost at Wembley in their last six matches, with four wins - including victory over Spain - and two draws. 7.12pmMuch of the burden for the away side is expected to fall on the shoulders of Marko Devic and Roman Zozulya following the losses of Shevchenko and Andriy Voromin. Meanwhile, there are a host of youngsters making noises for Ukraine. 7.10pmAll 11 of England's starting side ply their trade in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Ukraine boast similiar numbers, with just two of their current squad playing outside of their home nation - Anatoliy Tymoschuk represents Bayern Munich, while Andriy Dykan plays at Spartak Moscow. 7.08pmUkraine, meanwhile, have qualified for just one major international tournament - the 2006 World Cup - since they gained independence in 1991. But they will believe they have a strong chance of qualifying this time around. 7.06pmIn terms of recent matches between the two sides - England have won four of the last five meetings. Meanwhile, they have not lost a qualification match since being beaten by Ukraine in 2009. 7.04pmSo there we have it. England make just the singular change. Meanwhile, we will bring you the Ukraine team news as soon as it filters through. 7.04pmEngland: Hart, Johnson, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines; Lampard, Cleverley, Milner, Gerrard, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Defoe 7.02pmBREAKING: England make one chance from their 5-0 win over Moldova - with Phil Jagielka replacing the injured John Terry. 7pmHello all! The domestic season has only just begun, but we have another round of international fixtures to bring you. The team news is just beginning to reach us.
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