Shevchenko: Faces late fitness race

The former Chelsea player is continuing to have treatment for the knee injury suffered initially against Sweden which he then aggravated against France.

Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin grew irritated at the stream of questions about Shevchenko during his pre-match press conference at the Donbass Stadium.

But he confirmed: "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.

"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 is now 35 but he showed his class in netting twice in the 2-1 win over Sweden.