Euro 2012: Wayne Rooney linked well on quiet night for England | Michael Cox

England did not offer anything different against Ukraine despite Rooney's presence and 1-0 win in safety-first approach

A 1-0 win, sealed with a header on the goalline, assisted by a cross deflected three times. This was not vintage England, nor did they offer anything different, despite the return of Wayne Rooney.

In an ideal world, Roy Hodgson's side would have combined the defensive resilience they showed against France, with the attacking threat of the Sweden game. It seems these concepts are currently mutually exclusive, however, and with England needing only a point against Ukraine, a safety-first approach in Donetsk was the right decision.

However, England did not defend wellthroughout the game. When the ball was in central positions the shape was good, but crosses caused problems.... [via Guardian - Football]