Having created the sensation of the first Euro 2012 match-day by inspiring Ukraine to victory over Sweden, Andriy Shevchenko now turns his thoughts to today’s opponents France.

The 35-year-old Dynamo Kiev striker rolled back the years to give the co-hosts a 2-1 win over Sweden on Monday, his headed second-half brace sending a wave of jubilation sweeping across the nation.

As well as taking his international goal tally to 48, Shevchenko’s match-winning intervention at the Olympic Stadium also gave Ukraine control of Group D, as France and England drew their opening encounter 1-1.

The quarter-finals are therefore already within sight – Ukraine will reach the last eight today if they beat France in Donetsk, regardless of the result between England and Sweden in Kiev.

However, having doggedly battled knee and back problems in order to prove his fitness for his swansong international tournament, the former Milan and Chelsea striker does not want to look too far ahead.

“It’s a great day for Ukraine, but we still have two matches to prepare for,” he warned.

“Of course, we’re happy, but we know that we still have two very hard matches against France and England.”

Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin says he could change his team for the game with France, having admitted to concerns over the nervousness displayed by his side in the closing stages against Sweden.

France were left with mixed feelings after their draw against England, with pride at the manner in which they fought back to equalise tempered by disappointment that they did not exploit their dominance of possession.

There were glimpses of the slick football that yielded wins over Iceland, Serbia and Estonia in their warm-up games, but an over-reliance on shots from distance told its own story.

“Against England, it was really frustrating for periods,” conceded Les Bleus coach Laurent Blanc.

“We lacked a presence in front of goal sometimes. But we tried to play our style of football. We like playing balls in to feet and exchanging quick passes... that’s our style of play.”

France may take heart from the fact that when they last met Ukraine, at the Donbass Arena a year ago, the visitors ran out comfortable 4-1 winners.

However, with Shevchenko resurgent and the people of Ukraine expectant, Blanc is unlikely to enjoy such a comfortable even-ing today.