Ukraine vs England: Steven Gerrard Happy to Keep Destiny In Their Own Hands After Scrappy Draw in Kiev

Sep 11, 2013 12:59 AM EDT
England Theo Walcott Ukraine Olexandr Kucher
England forward Theo Walcott is challenged from behind by Ukraine's Olexandr Kucher in their World Cup qualifier, September 10"

 

England skipper Steven Gerrard believes Ukraine will be the unhappier of the two teams after their World Cup qualifier ended in a 0-0 draw.

The result keeps England in pole position in Group H and with destiny very much in their own hands.

Roy Hodgson's men, who lead Group H by two points from Montenegro and Ukraine, have two home games remaining, and if they win those two, they will automatically qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"I don't think Ukraine will be happy with a draw," Gerrard told ITV after the game. "They will be disappointed because they know we are capable of winning our last two games.

"So we don't focus on the games Ukraine have got left now, we focus on beating Poland and Montenegro. Hopefully we'll get few people back fit which will give us a bit more cutting edge going forward.

"We're at home and it's a different kind of pressure but we're capable of getting this job done."

Gerrard admitted it was not the best of performances you will ever see from England, but regardless was quite happy to come away with a point.

"I don't think it was a top class performance but we were solid and the result was never in doubt," he added.

"Before the game the challenge from the manager to us was: 'let's keep it in our hands and make sure if we win the two final games at Wembley we are through.'

"Going away from home to places like this is very difficult and they are a good side. I think they have shown that by going away and beating Montenegro and Poland.

"We always knew Ukraine were going to push us all the way in this group and that's been the case. We are going to have to do it the hard way. But we know we can do it."

Frank Lampard could have capped his 100th appearance for England with the winner right at the death, but the Chelsea midfielder uncharacteristically headed wide of goal.

Gerrard felt neither team created enough clear cut chances to deserve all three points.

"Frank is slightly disappointed, he normally gobbles them up," Gerrard said of the miss. "But I think today (Tuesday) collectively as a team we got the job done.

"Of course we'd like to create a bit more and get more shots on target but sometimes if you are too risky in places like this you can be undone at the back.

"It's important to be right defensively away from home and we were."

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