Shevchenko still a major threat says Lampard

Andriy Shevchenko might have had problems playing in England but will be Ukraine's main threat in tomorrow's World Cup qualifier, former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard said yesterday.

Group Six leaders England meet Ukraine in a competitive match for the first time at Wembley Stadium. England have 12 points from their opening four matches. Croatia are second with seven points from four games with unbeaten Ukraine third on seven points from three.

Midfielder Lampard said: "Andriy Shevchenko is a fantastic player, has always been and is now.

"He will be a huge threat to us on Wednesday because he is a top player who can produce something out of the blue - score a goal or make a goal, so I don't know why it didn't quite work out at Chelsea.

"I think he had quite a few injury problems and slight problems settling in England," Lampard continued. "He was in and out of the team at certain times, so it didn't work for him for a lot of reasons, and I think only he can explain that."

Shevchenko, 32, scored nine league goals in 47 appearances in two seasons at Stamford Bridge after moving from Milan for a fee British media reports estimated at around £30 million.

He is now back on loan with Milan but has only started two Serie A games this season and scored two goals - one in the Coppa Italia and the other in the UEFA Cup.

However, Shevchenko is looking for a milestone 40th goal for Ukraine in his 86th international tomorrow.