By Joe Wright

Fresh from his match-winning international debut against Scotland, Rickie Lambert was handed his first start in an England shirt against Moldova at Wembley, and duly kept up his perfect record for the Three Lions when he nodded home Theo Walcott's parried effort in the first half.

While no one would begrudge the Southampton man the chance to represent his country, his place in Roy Hodgson's plans has suddenly gone from endearing to essential following Danny Welbeck's suspension. The Manchester United attacker will have silenced a few more critics with two well-taken goals in the 4-0 rout on Friday - both of which were set up by Lambert but, the 22-year-old was harshly booked for shooting after failing to hear the referee's whistle for offside, leaving him suspended for Tuesday's crucial clash with Ukraine.

With Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney both injured, Lambert will almost certainly lead the line in Kiev against his toughest international opposition so far. And with England now back on top of the group, a win in their final away game would go a long way to ensuring their place in Brazil next summer - though they must rely on the 31-year-old once more if they are to get it.