England stand on the edge of elimination. In their last game England demonstrated a remarkable incompetence to hand the opposition two goals. One moment like that in a stadium packed with Ukrainian fans and England could be on the plane home.

In Charleroi in 2000 England only needed to draw against Romania in their last group game. It was 2-2 with a minute to play when Phil Neville gave away a penalty. England went home.

While the British press hypes up Rooney it is hoped that Hodgson is paying attention to the fact the most effective tactic against his defence is a long high ball lobbed into the box. It worked for Sweden – twice. Somehow warrior Terry was just not there.

Ukraine are a better team than Sweden and their situation means there is no room for compromise. They need to win and they are not shy of the dark arts of modern European football. England will have no security unless they are leading the match. A drawn scoreline in the final quarter will mean that the referee will come enormous pressure as Ukrainian players throw themselves to the ground in and around the box.

Russia only needed a draw against Greece. Now they are gone.

Across England the flags are just beginning to fly. Hodgson needs to wipe the smile off his face and get down to some serious focus. Its all very well puffing up Rooney Roy, but whats going on at the back? Its all very well dropping Carroll or Welbeck or Young but is it not time for Jagielka – JT is beginning to look like a goner.

It might be entirely sensible to start with an established eleven and introduce Wayne Rooney later – but that seems unlikely.

England are now on the edge. They will need a two goal cushion. The heat is on.

Come On England – winning the Euros in 2012.