FOOTBALL COMMENT
IF you have only seen the result – a win against the co-hosts, Wayne Rooney scoring on his return, finishing top of the group – you might think England had enjoyed a perfect night.
But if you did watch the game you’ll know Ukraine were very unlucky not to get at least a draw while England were poor in possession and relied on Steven Gerrard, their best player by a country mile.
It was nothing to get carried away about, although for now let’s enjoy this slightly lucky streak England are on. Roy Hodgson deserves great credit for creating such a strong spirit in the squad and shielding them from expectation so well.
A quarter-final against Italy does not have the same fear factor as one with Spain and I give England a good chance of progressing – but, like last night, it won’t be pretty.
Trevor Steven is a former England international who now works as a talent scout and pundit.