England player ratings: Classy Cahill

Joe Hart (7) Recovered well from a clumsy challenge on Roman Zozulya that could easily have seen a penalty awarded to Ukraine in the opening minutes. Made a series of timely clearing punches. No real saves to make. Competent.

Kyle Walker (6) Better going forward than in defence. Crashed into a late tackle on the back of Zozulya right on the edge of the England box to earn a booking, but also came up with the long throw-in that almost saw Frank Lampard head the winner in injury time.

Phil Jagielka (8) A key man for the visitors. Coped admirably with his remit, and seems to be forming a notable partnership with Cahill at the heart of the England defence.

Gary Cahill (8) Like Jagielka, was needed to thwart the threat of a Ukraine side who struggled for any real penetration. Made one clearance early on that was vital in getting between Hart and Oleh Gusev to hoist the ball away.

Ashley Cole (7) Very efficient performance from the Chelsea left-back. Made some eye-catching runs, but also well placed doing his covering work for the central defenders.

Steven Gerrard (7) A few threatening free-kicks and some timely passes. Seen more in a defensive role. The captain did not let his country down.

Theo Walcott (6) Decision-making eluded him too often, but did force Andriy Pyatov to make a brave stop early on. Was forced to limp off on 87 minutes after a cynical late challenge from Olexandr Kucher on 61 minutes.

Frank Lampard (7) Earned his 100th cap for England, and almost stole three points when he ghosted into the box to head wide in injury time. Like Gerrard, not seen rampaging forward, but was aware of the need to close down space as Ukraine were foiled in their attempts to trouble Hart.

Jack Wilshere (6) Has had better nights in an England shirt. Replaced by Ashley Young after 67 minutes.

James Milner (6) Came in for the suspended Danny Welbeck. Responded to Hodgson's selection with a committed performance. Always aware of the need to track back.

Rickie Lambert (6) An excellent performance from Lambert as lone striker in the first half. Not so effective in the second period, but the Southampton forward can be more than happy with his lot.

Substitutes:

Tom Cleverley (6) Arrived late on to replace the injured Walcott.

Ashley Young (6) Not seen much in at attacking role, but England were by then hell-bent on preventing any sort of defeat with 20 minutes remaining.