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Voronin fears Rooney & Gerrard could scupper biggest game in Ukraine's history
Jun 17, 2012 6:36:00 PM
The former Liverpool man has highlighted England’s captain and their returning star striker as the main threats to his country staying in Euro 2012
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The co-hosts face Roy Hodgson's side on Tuesday needing a win to pip the Three Lions to the tournament quarter-finals.
And Voronin, who endured a disappointing spell in the Premier League with Liverpool, knows all about the quality of two of its most high-profile stars.
“For me Steven Gerrard is one of the best players in Europe and one of the best players in the tournament and I will be very happy to see him on Tuesday,” the 32-year-old told reporters.
“England had a difficult game against Sweden but we know Rooney will be playing against us and he is a very important player for England.
“England is a good very strong team but if we play how we did against Sweden then we have a chance.”
In light of co-hosts Poland's departure from the tournament on Saturday, Voronin says the must-win clash is massive for the whole country.
“I think this is the biggest game in Ukraine’s history there is still a little chance we can get to the quarter final and we will do everything to be there," he added.
"It is a very important not just for us players but the whole country. We know how important it is we don’t want to end up like Poland and go further.
"When we played against Sweden the whole country celebrated and it was an amazing atmosphere and we want the same thing after the game against England.
“We need to win we want to go to the quarter final so we will try to do everything."
Reports emerged on Sunday that talismanic Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko could miss the game with a knee injury and Voronin underlined the forward's importance to his side.
I don’t know if Sheva will play but he has two days to be ready so we hope he can play," he continued.
“Sheva is very important player in every game for Ukraine but now he is injured and we do not know if he will play but everybody hopes he will come back.”
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