England vs Ukraine Betting Preview: Euro 2012 »

by Gambling.com staff

Following a dramatic win over Sweden on Friday night, England face co-hosts Ukraine in Group D's final game on Tuesday. From a football betting perspective, it's seemingly a straightforward proposition - however, as Euro 2012 has already shown, surprises in this sort of competition are commonplace.

The Three Lions will travel to Donetsk knowing that a draw will be enough to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Bookmakers, it seems, are showing faith in Roy Hodgson's men, making them firm favourites; Ladbrokes football are offering odds on an England win at 23/20, with Paddy Power and Bet365 at 5/4 and 6/5 respectively.

After winning their opening game against Sweden on a fantastic night for veteran striker Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine were brought sharply back to earth by France on Friday evening and will go into Tuesday's game as definite underdogs. Paddy Power have a Ukraine win at 12/5, while Bet365 football and Ladbrokes offer the outcome at 5/2 and 12/5.

Following his heroics against Sweden, Shevchenko will be desperate to deliver another fairytale performance for the Ukrainian supporters in what could be his last game for his country. Ladbrokes and Paddy Power  have the Ukrainian legend at 9/1 to be first goalscorer, while Paddy Power are also offering Shevchenko at 16/5 to find the net at any time during the game.

If Ukraine will be relying on Shevchenko's experience and dynamism in front of goal to go through to the next stage of the competition, football betting fans will note that England's hopes will be resting on the broad shoulders of Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker is yet to feature for England at the Euros following his two-match suspension for a red card in the final qualifying game against Montenegro. However, he will be raring to go and eager to put his stamp on a tournament that's already produced its fair share of impressive performers.

Rooney is 5/1 with both Ladbrokes football and Paddy Power football to open the scoring, while Bet365 football is proffering odds of 23/1 on Rooney to score the only goal in a 1-0 victory for England. This could be an intelligent price to pick up if you're planning on some England vs. Ukraine betting; if England score first, it's likely we'll see them shut up shop and keep things disciplined in order to ensure safe passage to the quarter-finals.