DONETSK, Ukraine — Wayne Rooney headed England to victory over Ukraine Tuesday and through to a Euro 2012 quarterfinal meeting with Italy.
Back in the lineup after serving his two-game suspension, the Manchester United striker looked rusty at times on Tuesday but provided the crucial moment in the match, with England topping Group D after France suffered a shock 2-0 defeat against eliminated Sweden.
Steven Gerrard whipped over a teasing cross from the right which Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov misjudged allowing Rooney to nod home at the far post.
Roy Hodgson’s men rode their luck to a huge extent just after the hour mark when John Terry cleared from under his own bar after Joe Hart could only partially block Marko Devic’s shot, with replays showing the ball had crossed the line.
The co-hosts followed Poland in exiting the tournament before the knockout phase, while France now has a quarterfinal clash with Spain to prepare for after losing its grip on the top of the standings.
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