Blokhin: Pressure is on England

Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin is looking for his team to take advantage of the pressure England will be under at Wembley tonight. After their five-goal hammering of a hapless Moldova outfit on Friday, England hope to complete their first 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ double-header by collecting a maximum six points. However, Ukraine are in the mood to cause an upset, with Blokhin believing his side can reverse the result from Donetsk at UEFA EURO 2012, when England emerged victorious thanks to a solitary goal from Wayne Rooney. "The pressure is on them, whether they want it or not," said Blokhin. "If they win, they will have six points and have made a very good start in the competition. It is the opposite to Donetsk. We are trying to start the tournament well but we understand if we lose tomorrow, nothing will have changed." Blokhin's team, who were not in action on Friday, are still coming to terms with the retirement of star man Andriy Shevchenko. Veteran keeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy has also quit, leaving Blokhin to choose between 19-year-old Maksym Koval and the more experienced Andriy Pyatov. Striker Marko Devic is also a doubt, creating further headaches for the Ukraine coach. However, Blokhin insists they will present a greater barrier to England than Moldova looked like doing. "We respect the England team - but we will be trying to beat them," he said. "If we are in the same position as Moldova, we will lose 8-0. They lost the game before they came onto the pitch. I prohibited my team from watching it. There was no point. I can't promise we will win - but we will fight." FIFA