England take point in Ukraine to leave them top of qualifying group

Ukraine 0

England 0

FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifier, Tuesday 10 September 2013, Olympic Stadium, Kiev
 

England's World Cup destiny remains in their own hands after a somewhat drab goaless affair in Kiev.

With England one point clear at the top of group H, victory in their remaining home games against Montenegro and Poland on 11 and 15 October respectively, would see them qualify for Brazil 2014 as group winners.

With few chances for either side, a 0-0 scoreline seemed a fair outcome. England offered little in the way of attacking flair - an early Walcott chance the only memorable opening - but they will be largely unconcerned given the importance of avoiding defeat to their strongest rival for qualification.

Despite some threat from Ukraine's wings, England defended solidly, with the pairing of Chelsea's Gary Cahill and Everton's Phil Jagielka increasingly looking the part in their fifth consecutive start together.

Skipper Steven Gerrard provided the engine in midfield, while Frank Lampard won his 100th cap for his country. With a number of players unavailable (Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge injured, Danny Welbeck suspended), manager Roy Hodgson was satisfied with the outcome:

"I think it was a fair result and we did really well. Especially in the first-half when we had control of the game."

Steven Gerrard reflected on an efficient rather than dazzling display: "It wasn't a top-class performance but the job was done."