• Euro 2012

Walcott gets green light for Ukraine

ESPN staff
June 18, 2012
Theo Walcott equalised for England against Sweden on Friday © PA Photos
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Arsenal and England winger Theo Walcott has been passed fit for the crucial Group D clash with Ukraine at Euro 2012 on Tuesday.

Walcott made a dazzling impact as a second-half substitute against Sweden on Friday, scoring the equaliser and setting up the winner in England's 3-2 victory, and has been tipped to be thrown in from the start against Ukraine.

However, on Sunday England boss Roy Hodgson revealed that Walcott was a doubt for Ukraine because he was suffering with a tightness in his hamstring.

Walcott reportedly underwent intensive treatment early on Monday in a bid to improve his condition ahead of the fixture, and he joined his 22 team-mates aboard the bus that left the hotel for Krakow Airport later in the day.

"He is fit for the game and luckily we don't have any other injury concerns," Hodgson said at his pre-match news conference.

Having proved his fitness, Walcott could wrestle the right-midfield berth from James Milner, who started both of England's previous two matches in Group D - although there is the possibility Ashley Young could make way, with Milner switching to the left flank.

England must avoid defeat against Ukraine in order to progress to the quarter-finals, where they would face Croatia, Spain or Italy, depending on the Group C results on Monday.

Wayne Rooney is poised to make his first appearance of the tournament on Tuesday, having served a two-match suspension.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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