Ukraine sweat over Shevchenko's fitness

Shevchenko, who scored Ukraine's two goals in the 2-1 win over Sweden, was absent from Sunday night's open training session in the Metalurg Stadium with a left knee problem. The former Chelsea player is approaching the end of his career but his absence against Roy Hodgson's side would still be a massive blow to Ukraine who need to win to reach the quarter-finals.

Andriy Shevchenko

Former Liverpool player Voronin said: "I don't know how badly Shevchenko is injured.

"He is very important in every game for Ukraine. That is what he means to us. We don't know if he will play or not but everyone hopes he will play."

Ukraine media manager Oleksandr Hlyvynskyy confirmed: "He is doubtful, yes, but the doctors are giving him some treatment."

Ukraine team doctor Leonid Myronov said: "Shevchenko is doing some work with the medical people now and the situation is not so terrible."