• Euro 2012

Blokhin: Shevchenko rated at 50-50 for England clash

ESPN staff
June 18, 2012
Andriy Shevchenko is set to retire after Euro 2012 © PA Photos
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Ukraine manager Oleg Blokhin has said Andriy Shevchenko has a 50-50 chance of recovering from injury in time to face England.

Shevchenko, who is to retire from international football after Euro 2012, was the hero for Ukraine in their 2-1 victory over Sweden, but he sustained a knee injury in that game that he then aggravated in the 2-0 defeat to France.

It is hoped that Shevchenko will be available to help the co-hosts claim the victory they need from their final group game on Tuesday, but Blokhin - who grew frustrated with the number of questions on the 35-year-old at the pre-match press conference - said it remains in the balance.

"It is hard to say whether Shevchenko will be fit but I would say his chances of being fit to face England are 50-50," he said. "There are still 24 hours to go before the game and we will do everything possible to get him fit.

"He is a big player for us and if he is unable to play it will be a big loss to us, but there are other players in my squad. I understand the interest in him but this press conference should not just be about Shevchenko."

Shevchenko had missed training on Monday and a team spokesman said: "Andriy is a doubt. He hasn't run. We will see if he can train tomorrow."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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