England vs. Ukraine: 6 Things We Learned About England's Euro 2012 Chances

As the controversy rages, the Three Lions fight on.

England defeated Ukraine 1-0 on Tuesday in both teams' Group D finale at Euro 2012. Wayne Rooney scored the winner in the second half of his first match back in the lineup following a two-match suspension.

But that's not what anyone will want to talk about. After England 1, Ukraine 0, world football will endure yet another goal-line-technology controversy.

Ukraine's Marko Devic should have been awarded a goal after his 62nd-minute shot crossed the goal line, but the UEFA official along the line ruled incorrectly that John Terry had cleared the ball.

Ukraine's players and coaches protested the decision, and replays proved the ball went over the line, but the game continued regardless.

The loss eliminated Ukraine from Euro 2012, meaning neither of the tournament's co-hosts will feature in the knockout stage (Poland was eliminated Sunday).

Lost somewhat in the controversy was the fact that England's win meant they finished atop Group D with seven points. Roy Hodgson's team will now face Italy on Sunday in the quarterfinals.

And England fans will be dreaming big dreams for at least a few more days.

Here are six things we learned about the Three Lions' chances of lifting the trophy at Euro 2012.

The Role of Luck

The truth, as they say, shall set you free. Here, then, is the truth.

Marko Devic's shot crossed the line. John Terry's clearance, while impressive, came fractionally late. Devic's shot should have counted and thus, Ukraine should have been level with England midway through the second half.

But here's some more truth. A Ukrainian player was offside during the build-up to the goal, and the assistant referee—a different one, mind—missed that call too.

Yet more truth: Two years ago, Frank Lampard's shot against Germany also crossed the line. Had the goal been allowed then, England would have drawn level with Germany at 2-2 and almost surely would not have been embarrassed as it was in the World Cup's round of 16.

So, do two wrongs make a right? How about three wrongs?

Everyone should know the answer to that, but let's leave the controversy for now. This latest goal-line mess raises another question, and this one concerns England's future at Euro 2012.

Does this mean fortune now favors the Three Lions? Are Roy Hodgson's boys cashing in on some cosmic, karmic redemption after the South African debacle two years ago?

Or does it mean England have already had all the good luck they'll see this summer?

Grinding out Results

England scored early in the second half and held the lead for more than 40 minutes. In fairness, though, Marko Devic's "goal" would have negated all that.

Even so, England would have advanced to the quarterfinals with a draw, and as group champions at that.

Heading into Tuesday, a draw was all England needed. After Tuesday, a draw was what it probably deserved.

Good fortune—and another goal from a set piece—conspired to give England a victory, but either way, Tuesday showed that the Three Lions can grind out a result when necessary.

England's performance wasn't pretty. In truth, Ukraine dominated most of the first half and probably deserved a point. But results matter above all else at this point in the competition, and on Tuesday, England labored its way to the necessary result.

Good Game, Keep

For the first time since perhaps the days of David Seaman, England has a top-class goalkeeper at a major tournament.

That fact might just be the most significant reason for England supporters to keep dreaming.

Consider the role England's Joe Hart played in the incident. Hart was unable to save Marko Devic's shot, but he was able to slow it down long enough for John Terry to "clear" the ball off the line.

And with that, Hart again demonstrated his credentials as an excellent keeper.

For now, Hart can't match midfielder and captain Steven Gerrard for importance to England's chances, but as the tournament progresses, Hart keeps coming closer.

Welcome Back, Roo

Wayne Rooney missed England's first two matches of Euro 2012 through suspension, and while England managed to score four goals without him, Rooney's presence must have felt reassuring for England's players, coaches and fans.

Rooney's goal Tuesday—a tap-in header at the far post after Steven Gerrard's cross had been deflected a couple times in the box—was his first for England in 673 major-tournament minutes.

But even considering the drought and the four goals that were scored without him, England needs Rooney in the lineup.

Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll both scored against Sweden, but neither can influence a game like Rooney, who brings a different level of world-class attacking talent to England's lineup.

If England is to go far in the knockout stages, Rooney must perform.

Theo Stays a Sub

Theo Walcott sparked England's comeback against Sweden last week, scoring once and setting up another as a second-half substitute.

The strong performance led many—including me—to wonder whether Walcott should start against Ukraine.

He didn't start, possibly because of an injury (via The Independent), and that was probably the right call by England manager Roy Hodgson.

Walcott's speed makes him dangerous at any time, but even more so when opposing teams have begun to tire in the second half. And as Barcelona fans know, he has a history of turning games around as a substitute.

Don't be surprised if Hodgson continues to use him as one.

Italy Next

As Group D winners, England advance to face Italy—who finished second in Group C—in the quarterfinals.

The winner will face either Germany or Greece.

Drawing Italy—whose resume includes four World Cup and one European title—is hardly cause for celebration. But the good news is that France's disappointing 2-0 loss to Sweden helped England avoid Spain for now.

Italy will provide stiff opposition, but avoiding the defending World Cup and European champions at this point now can only be a good thing for England.

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