England Euro 12: Stars Who Must Redeem Previous Poor Performances

England has delivered some inspired performances at Euro 2012, fighting through injuries and suspensions to put themselves in prime position to escape the group stage. 

Roy Hodgson's squad is currently tied for first place in Group D, and with a win or draw on Tuesday, they will advance to the quarterfinals.

Of course, gaining such a result won't be easy.

The Ukrainian co-hosts have also had their moments of brilliance in this tournament, and they should be a very tough test for England.

The Three Lions will need everyone to be at their best, which means the following players must improve on their earlier performances.

James Milner

Hodgson may elect to sit Milner against Ukraine, as the Manchester City midfielder has been a liability in the first two games.

He squandered an easy shot on goal against France, he picked up a silly booking against Sweden and England was at their best offensively when he wasn't on the pitch.

His passing has been sloppy, and although he's usually a better possession player than the likes of Theo Walcott, he has hardly made an impact in the tournament thus far.

I would give Milner another shot in the starting lineup because he's exceptionally talented and does all the dirty work that makes a team go. If he can't improve upon his past two games, however, he should come off the bench for the remainder of the tournament.

Ashley Young

Young was expected to shine during Wayne Rooney's absence, but he has failed to impact either of England's first two games.

He made one brilliant pass against France—the chance Milner blew—but he hasn't done anything since. For most of the time against France and the full 90 minutes against Sweden, Young seemed content with floating around anonymously on the pitch.

He may be lacking confidence, which could explain his under-aggressiveness. If he's not more active on Tuesday, though, he could put himself out of favor with Hodgson and the notoriously tough British press.

Scott Parker

Parker was solid against Sweden but, if he struggles physically like he did against France, the Three Lions could be in trouble.

Parker lost his battle with the intense Ukrainian heat, and he looked out of form for much of the match. He lived up to most expectations on the field, but he was unable to go the full 90 minutes.

Against Ukraine, England will need Parker fit and effective for the entirety of the game. He's one of the strongest midfielders in Europe, but if he has any physical or mental lapses due to fatigue, he could cripple his team's chances of advancing.