Wayne Rooney had the simplest of tasks left after Steven Gerrard’s cross broke free with no Ukrainian defender dealing with it sufficiently. Roy Hodgson’s decision to start him paid off just as it did with Andy Carroll against Sweden. In fact, the former Fulham manager’s choices of starters and subs have been flawless.
The first ghost goal controversy bedeviled Ukraine as Marko Devic’s shot which Joe Hart managed to deflect was cleared by John Terry after it crossed the line. Replays show the ball broke the plane completely. Ukraine was also the better team in large spells with England looking wobbly.
The results mean that both co-hosts are out and England top Group D with Italy as their next opponents in the quarter-finals.