England could be in trouble without Wayne Rooney, says Ukraine forward …
Roy Hodgson’s men face a crunch World Cup qualifier in Kyiv tonight without a host of leading lights – including Rooney.
The Manchester United and Three Lions striker has been sidelined with a gashed head that will see him miss this vital Group H encounter.
England lead the group on goal difference from Montenegro as they look to secure automatic qualification for Brazil 2014.
But defeat for the Three Lions would leave them with a mountain to climb in order to secure a place at next year’s tournament.
The loss of Rooney is a big blow to Hodgson, who is also without injured Daniel Sturridge and the suspended Danny Welbeck.
The England boss will be forced to select novice forward Rickie Lambert up front and Yarmolenko, 23, admits Ukraine are delighted Rooney will not be facing them.
The Dynamo Kyiv star said: “We cannot say we are disappointed.
“Rooney is the main threat of the England team’s attack, so we have to use his absence. The English will not be at their full strength on the pitch and this is a great opportunity for us to improve our position in the group.”
Hodgson knows his side will be facing the hosts high on confidence following last week’s 9-0 demolition of minnows San Marino.
Since losing their opening qualifier, Mykhailo Fomenko’s men have enjoyed an upsurge in form and sit just one point behind the Three Lions in the race for top spot.
Ukraine have secured five wins and one draw in their last six outings, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two along the way.
And the two teams clashed just over a year ago in Group D of Euro 2012, when England triumphed 1-0 in Donetsk thanks to a Rooney goal.
But Hodgson’s men found themselves under the cosh for long spells, with Marko Devic having what appeared to be a legitimate goal ruled out when John Terry cleared the ball after it had crossed the line.
The hosts have not forgotten the incident and the Three Lions can expect a white-hot reception in the Olympic Stadium.