England V Ukraine Euro 2012: 5 Reasons Why The Three Lions Will Win In Donetsk

England and Ukraine are separated by just a point as they meet one another in Donetsk for their final Euro 2012 Group D match.

A draw for England will guarantee qualification, yet victory - and by a superior margin than France's result against Sweden - will see them win the group.

Italy await for Roy Hodgson's side should they win Group D, with Spain the opponents should England end up in second spot.

Ukraine's tired display under the eye of the storm against the French hinted at a side who had poured all their excursions into the opening victory against Sweden. Andriy Shevchenko is a major doubt, and any appearance he does make is unlikely to be at optimum fitness.

So with that in mind, here's five reasons for English optimism...

1. PURPOSE AND PACE

Reports suggest Roy Hodgson will retain Danny Welbeck and start Theo Walcott, as Andy Carroll and James Milner drop to the substitutes' bench. Although Carroll gave a decent display against Sweden, he and Milner, whose work rate has been second to no one because his first touch has been second to everyone, both restrict any speed of thought England may want to deploy.

Welbeck and Walcott are imperfect players, but along with Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney, England will be more energetic in attack against a team that were sluggish against the technically astute French on Friday.

2. ROONEY RETURNS

Although his poor performance level was masked by his goalscoring for Manchester United in 2011/12 (34 in all competitions), Rooney remains Britain's best footballer.

His presence is arguably the least assuring aspect for the Three Lions now he has served his two-match suspension. He did not enjoy freshness and fitness in the two World Cups he has played at since he set Euro 2004 alight as an 18-year-old, and is champing at the bit not just to play football for his country again, but to prove a point too.

3. LESSONS TO BE LEARNT

In contrast to pre-tournament realism, the tabloids have become idealistic now England have won a game at the Euros. That however papers over the cracks of what remains an underwhelming starting XI, let alone squad. The porous rearguard which afforded goals to Samir Nasri and Olof Mellberg are reminders of the team's major shortcomings, and such examples are useful tools to the team against complacency which is seeping in amongst some national newspapers.

4. UKRAINE MUST PLAY OPENLY

Despite the expected front four Hodgson will start with, England's de rigueur setting at major tournaments has been to withdraw from attack as the best form of defence becomes defence. That may tempt Hodgson to deploy such reticence due to Ukraine's need for three points, but England should seek to exploit their penetrable defence, which ceded two fabulous opportunities to Sweden in the dying moments when defending a 2-1 lead, let alone in a game they must win.

5. THE SHEVCHENKO EFFECT

Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin said on Monday Shevchenko is "50-50" for Tuesday evening's game, but the prognosis seemed to clarify he won't be 100 per cent fit come kick-off. The national team's talisman lifted the team and the country with his double against Sweden, but that moment also seemed to be when Shevchenko rode off into the sunset to signal the end to a glittering career.

Persistent against France, his team-mates seemed to look to his 35-year-old self again for inspiration, but it was not forthcoming as he was ill-advisedly kept on for the full 90. Although even a half-fit Shevchenko could beat John Terry in a foot race, he is bereft of a sufficient supporting cast who can be relied upon to excel whenever he doesn't conjure up a moment of inspiration. Ukraine could rally in their hour-and-a-half of need, but it will take a monumental effort - even against notorious bottlers England - to succeed.