John Terry kept England firmly on course for next summer's World Cup in South Africa as his priceless late winner sank Ukraine and made it five wins out of five in their qualifying group.
Ukraine had threatened to take a point their approach barely deserved when substitute Andriy Shevchenko struck with 16 minutes left to cancel out Peter Crouch's 29th-minute volley.
England's previously flawless record in Group Six was in serious danger until captain Terry bundled in from close range after 85 minutes, getting on the end of Steven Gerrard's header from David Beckham's free-kick.
Terry's intervention came as huge relief to England coach Fabio Capello, who had watched in frustration as his side failed to build on their first-half advantage with a performance that was lacklustre for lengthy periods.
And the importance of Terry's goal was demonstrated at the final whistle, when Capello was moved to a rare show of fist-pumping emotion as England finally claimed three vital points.
Terry's winner ensured England took another giant stride towards next summer's showpiece, but lessons must be learned from a lack of urgency and invention that was almost punished by the predatory Shevchenko.
Ukraine, while unremarkable, proved more durable than Slovakia did in the 4-0 friendly victory on Saturday, and England never threatened to repeat that impressive showing.
It is sign of the growing belief under Capello, however, that England were able to pull out the victory after being stunned by Shevchenko's leveller.
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7973880.stm
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