Bombarded with flares and fireworks which seemed likely to set the pitch alight and which prompted a formal complaint from the Football Association, England were further threatened by dismal defending from Rio Ferdinand, which in turn prompted rash goalkeeping and a red card for Rob Green.It meant England had to play with just 10 men for 76 minutes. A hugely-motivated Ukrainian side then proceeded to expose the defensive frailties of Capello's team as the volatile home supporters celebrated their nation's first ever victory against England, one which lifted them to second place in Group Six and which, assuming they beat Andorra on Wednesday, will put them in the play-offs for a place in South Africa.
In doing so, they forced England's first backward step under Capello's regime and ensured the heady optimism of last month's 5-1 win over Croatia and qualification for next year's World Cup was rapidly punctured.
The defeat may be of little consequence to England, top of the group by some distance, but the manner of it indicates more serious issues for the summer ahead. Ferdinand's awful error was the origin of England's downfall and may signal the beginning of the end of his international career.
But defensive weakness prevailed throughout and if they cannot be redressed, England will not be able to consider themselves contenders for the World Cup. (Daily Mail)
