England V Ukraine Preview

England - Ukraine

Wednesday April 1 2009,

Wembley Stadium

Kickoff: 20:00

England

England beat Slovakia 4-0 in their last international fixture on Saturday evening.

In their 2010 World Cup Qualification campaign, England have won all four of their matches so far, picking up the maximum points available.

They have scored 14 goals and conceded three in these matches, and currently sit first in their group, five points clear of second placed Croatia and third placed Ukraine.

England will be without strikers Emile Heskey and Carton Cole for the match, after both players limped off in the victory over Slovakia.

However, Peter Crouch looks set to be fit, in addition to Rio Ferdinand, while Fabio Capello has called up Tottenham striker Darren Bent, with another replacement also possible.

Ukraine

Ukraine drew 0-0 with Croatia in their last World Cup Qualification match.

In their qualification campaign so far, Ukraine have won two and drawn one, picking up seven points from the nine available.

They have scored four goals and conceded one in these matches, earning them third spot in the group, equal on points with second placed Croatia, who they have a game in hand on.

Metalist Kharkiv goalkeeper Oleksandr Goryainov and Dynamo Kiev forward Artem Kravets have both been named in the side.

Andrei Voronin, currently on loan at Hertha Berlin from Liverpool, is also in the squad, alongside former Chelsea striker Andrei Shevchenko.

Prediction

After their comfortable 4-0 victory over Slovakia on Saturday, England look in good form, with most of the squad putting in a strong display. Wayne Rooney looked particularly impressive, capping his performance with two goals.

Ukraine's last international match was on February 10, when they defeated Slovakia 3-2. Ukraine are the only team apart from England who remain unbeaten in their qualification group, having posted victories over Belarus and Kazakhstan, and drawing with Croatia.

However, England, who recorded convincing victories over all three sides, look formidable. With the added home advantage of Wembley behind them, England look strong favourites to remain unbeaten in their group and post yet another win in their World Cup Qualification campaign.

Read the complete preview with top online betting odds for the match at the England vs Ukraine page now!