ENGLAND maintained their 100 per cent record in the World Cup qualifiers thanks to John Terry's late goal at Wembley.

Peter Crouch had put Fabio Capello's men into a first half lead before Ukraine substitute Andriy Shevchenko equalised. However, skipper Terry pounced to ensure England now have five wins out of five in Group 6.

Capello’s double-fisted victory celebration emphasised the importance of Terry’s goal.

As Ukraine must meet Croatia on June 6, the same day as England take on Kazakhstan, the Three Lions will return to base to face Andorra four days later knowing their place at the biggest stage of all could be virtually secure four months ahead of schedule.

Terry was delighted with the team’s character as the side moved within touching distance of next year’s finals in South Africa.

“We were disappointed to concede a goal late on but showed great character to come back and win the game, so there are some real positives,” Terry told ITV1.

“It meant a lot (to score) and it has given us the win, so I’m delighted.

“There was some great fight and desire from the lads, we’re not settling for 1-1 and we went on to win the game.

“We’re in a great position in the group and this has really set us up.

“They (Ukraine) have a game in hand but this puts us in a great position.

Tough

“We’ve got Kazakhstan away and Andorra at home so its two tough games next but hopefully six points. At the moment things are going well.”

This was not a fluent England performance. There was too much hesitancy and too many unforced errors for that, but England were ahead before too long. 

Frank Lampard dropped on to the head of Chelsea team-mate Terry, who guided it into the path of Crouch. He turned smartly and let fly with a six-yard volley which cannoned into Andrii Piatov before zooming into the net.

Crouch milked the celebrations as he had every right to do. There was even the little dance, the ’Rope Pull’ suggested by James Corden in Comic Relief, showing that life under Capello is not the rigid regime it is made out to be.

The belated introduction of Shevchenko 10 minutes into the second-half offered the visiting fans something to cheer, even, as if to ensure the Ukrainians were drowned out, Capello responded by bringing on David Beckham for his 110th cap.

By that point, impressive United forward Rooney had embarked on another startling run which began just inside the visitors’ half and left four defenders trailing in his wake before his shot fizzed wide, Piatov uncertain whether he needed to try and keep it out or not.

Rooney continued to sprinkle the game with his unique talent. Unfortunately, after two years at Chelsea doing little to justify his £30million price tag and vast salary, Shevchenko finally did something worthy of his reputation.

Shevchenko’s instinctive finish looked like wrecking England’s 100% record. After 24 ill-fated months at Stamford Bridge, he should have known Terry a bit better than that.

What is your verdict on the game? Have your say.