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World Cup qualifiers: Frank Lampard looking for victory against Ukraine as England midfielder targets 100th appearance

England's World Cup future lies in their hands after win against Moldova, but victory in Kiev is crucial if England are to top group

Agency
Monday 09 September 2013 12:22 BST
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Frank Lampard is targeting three points against Ukraine on Tuesday
Frank Lampard is targeting three points against Ukraine on Tuesday (GETTY IMAGES)

Frank Lampard admits Ukraine may go into Tuesday's World Cup qualifier seeking revenge for their Euro 2012 defeat to England, but does not feel it will be a major factor in the game.

England beat the tournament co-hosts 1-0 in Donetsk last June, Wayne Rooney with the goal while Ukraine were aggrieved to be denied an equaliser when Marko Devic's shot appeared to cross the line before John Terry cleared.

The teams have met already in the current qualifying campaign, Lampard's late penalty earning England a 1-1 draw at Wembley and possibly deepening any sense of frustration within the Ukrainian ranks.

But looking back to last summer's clash, Lampard said: "They're two separate games, I watched that game from home and it was a tough game.

"It maybe means a bit for them to get revenge but we just have to be on our game on the night."

England lead the group on goal difference from Montenegro, with Ukraine only a point behind and Poland also within striking distance.

And Lampard said: "We were very aware it was a tough group from the outset.

"People can dismiss a group when they don't see a Spain or a Germany but we were aware there were some tough teams there.

"We've got to go out on Tuesday and get a result. It's in our own hands with two home games to come after that.

"A win would put us in a very strong position. We've got two tough home games to come, but I think if we can fly back with three points then we're in a very strong position to go through."

Lampard acknowledged England have not been at their best when Oleh Blokhin's team came to London last September, but was pleased they were able to snatch an important point in such a close group.

"They had a bad start to the group but against us they played with a lot of talent, they have a lot of technical ability and pace on the wings," he said.

"I don't think we were at our best that night but to not lose when you're not at your best is a good thing.

"We'll go there conscious they're a strong team but confident in our own abilities. We've got the team to get a result, no doubt."

They will have to do so without Danny Welbeck, the Manchester United striker harshly suspended after collecting his second controversial booking of the qualifying campaign during Friday's 4-0 win over Moldova.

Welbeck responded with two well-taken goals and Lampard said of his absence: "It's a big blow, he's started the season well and he's a very talented player.

"I've enjoyed watching him for Man United and he scored two goals the other night but we've got players who can come in and do the same job.

"With Theo Walcott, Raheem Sterling, Ashley Young and James Milner, we've got a lot of depth on the wings."

PA

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