• Euro 2012

Blokhin warns England are ones under pressure

ESPN staff
June 19, 2012
Ukraine are facing elimination from the tournament they co-host © PA Photos
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Ukraine coach Oleh Blokhin has warned England that his side head into their final Group D match with "nothing to lose".

Co-hosts Ukraine take on second-placed England at the Donbass Arena on Tuesday night aware that only a victory will secure their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

The pressure, though, is on Roy Hodgson's side, according to Blokhin, who is sweating over the fitness of experienced striker Andriy Shevchenko.

"We should consider England as leaders in the European Championships," Blokhin said. "They also have problems because if they lose tonight it will be unexpected.

"There will be big problems for them, but it's not the same for us. The England team will be more nervous. We have nothing to lose.

"They are one of the favourites and are expected to play in the final. Nobody expects that we will fly to the moon.

"It would be fantastic, but that's another thing. The fans should expect good play, but we shouldn't say to our nation 'we'll win the Euros'. They shouldn't shoot at us if we lose."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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