Ukraine’s slim hopes rest with Shevchenko

As Ukraine face a must win Euro 2012 group game against Roy Hodgson’s England, you can read my predictions on the contest here. While I may have suggested a narrow victory for Oleh Blokhin’s side, my tip came with a caveat – if Andriy Shevchenko doesn’t play then the co-hosts have little chance of progressing.

There are around eight hours until kick off as I write this and at the moment, Ukraine’s captain and striker has been rated as having a 50% chance to take his place in the starting line up.