TRICK SHOT ... Danny Welbeck beats Olof Mellberg to net the winner in Kiev last night
ROY HODGSON hailed his England heroes after Danny Welbeck’s backheel winner.
But the manager insists Wayne Rooney will start against Ukraine — despite Welbeck’s partner Andy Carroll also netting.
Hodgson said: “A player like Rooney can make a major difference and I am delighted to welcome him back.
“If I left him out, all hell might break loose in the dressing room!”
England delivered their first competitive win over Sweden and can clinch qualification with a draw on Tuesday.
Welbeck set his sights on a victory over Ukraine that could see the Three Lions top the group, if France slip up.
The Manchester United striker flicked in the 78th-minute winner as England came from 2-1 behind.
Striker Carroll opened the scoring but Olof Mellberg’s double put Sweden in control on the hour.
Sub Theo Walcott hit a 25-yarder before setting up Welbeck’s clincher.
Welbeck said: “We went behind but had the belief, team spirit shone through.
“Our attention now turns to Ukraine on Tuesday, to get another win that could see us win the group.
“I’m happy with the finish for my goal and the three points for the team.”
Rooney has missed two games through suspension but Hodgson is ready to throw him straight in — despite being delighted with his team’s efforts.
The manager added: “It was a cracking game. We were comfortable at half-time before they rocked us.
“But it was very good the way we responded. It’s difficult at this level.”
Hodgson took time to thank captain Steven Gerrard for his role in the manager’s four-game reign.
He said: “Steven has been fantastic ever since I was given the job.
“He hasn’t put a foot wrong. He’s playing like a captain should, as one of the best players in the whole tournament.”
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Rank | Team | W/D/L | Pts |
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Cities & Stadiums
The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments
Year | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
---|---|---|---|
2008 | Spain | Germany | Russia / Turkey |
2004 | Greece | Portugal | Netherlands / Czech Republic |
2000 | France | Italy | Netherlands / Portugal |
1996 | Germany | Czech Republic | France / England |
1992 | Denmark | Germany | Netherlands / Sweden |
1988 | Netherlands | Soviet Union | Italy / West Germany |
1984 | France | Spain | Denmark / Portugal |
1980 | West Germany | Belgium | Czechoslovakia |
1976 | Czechoslovakia | West Germany | Netherlands |
1972 | West Germany | Soviet Union | Belgium |
1968 | Italy | Yugoslavia | England |
1964 | Spain | Soviet Union | Hungary |
1960 | Soviet Union | Yugoslavia | Czechoslovakia |