World Cup qualifier: England claim 0-0 draw with Ukraine

England remain top of World Cup qualifying Group H after claiming a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Ukraine in Kiev.

On a night of few chances it was the home side who perhaps edged it, but the England defence – brilliantly marshalled by Chelsea’s Gary Cahill – stood firm.

Ukraine had the oustanding player on the night in the shape of winger Yevhen Konoplyanka and he went closest to opening the scoring with his free-kick with 20 minutes left but it deflected just inches wide off Phil Jagielka.

On his 100th appearance for his country, Frank Lampard had a real chance in the finalminute with England’s best opportunity but he headed wide.

England now know that victory in their final two qualifying games with Montenegro and Poland, both at Wembley in October, will seal their place at the World Cup finals.

It was clear from before the kick-off that Ukraine were going to make it tough for England in every way possible – and they did.

Just 50 seconds had gone when England’s number one Joe Hart chopped down Roman Zozulya while diving for a deflected cross, but luckily for England no penalty was given.

England’s draw was built on the solid foundations set by a magnificent performance from Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, particularly in the early stages when they were riddled with uncertainty as Ukraine applied pressure.

Ukraine’s drive forward left them vulnerable at the back and Theo Walcott exploited the space in a rare England attack when he raced into the box and tested Andriy Pyatov before Cahill sent a header over soon after.

Captain Steven Gerrard then misjudged a cross-field pass to allow Fedetskiy a free header at the back post but he wasted the opportunity and England breathed again.

Ukraine’s early enthusiasm started to wane, allowing England more time on the ball, but the visitors failed to test Pyatov.