Frank Lampard believes that a win over Ukraine on Tuesday will all but guarantee England a place at next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Three Lions are currently top of Group H on goal difference, although they have played one fewer game than second-placed Montenegro.
"We were very aware it was a tough group from the outset," PA quotes the 35-year-old as saying. "People can dismiss a group when they don't see a Spain or a Germany but we were aware there were some tough teams there.
"We've got to go out on Tuesday and get a result. It's in our own hands with two home games to come after that.
"A win would put us in a very strong position. We've got two tough home games to come, but I think if we can fly back with three points then we're in a very strong position to go through."
England finish qualifying with home matches against Montenegro and Poland in October.