Roy Hodgson praises brave Lions

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 19 June 2012

England manager Roy Hodgson praises his side's brave performance following their 1-0 win over Ukraine, but admits that they were a little lucky to claim all three points.

England manager Roy Hodgson has praised his side's bravery after they secured their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ukraine in Donetsk.

Wayne Rooney's second-half header proved the difference between the sides on the pitch, as the Three Lions finished top of Group D on seven points.

"They have been good from the start. If someone had said we would win the group there wouldn't be many takers," said Hodgson. "Many didn't think we'd get out the group.

"It was really hard tonight. There were 60,000 in the stadium and 4,000 brave Englishmen."

Marko Devic was controversially denied an equaliser on the hour mark, as his shot was cleared away by John Terry after it had marginally crossed the England goalline.

Hodgson concedes that his side benefited from a slice of good fortune.

He added: "It was a brave performance and we got that bit of luck.

"The goal wasn't a result of any difference in our play but we weren't showing enough composure when we broke and I think that is something we can work on. But this is a fledgling team and we are working on our game."

England now face Italy, who will be without Giorgio Chiellini, in Kiev on Sunday.