England 2 Ukraine 0

England produced a convincing and entertaining display in their last Wembley preparation game before Euro 2000 with a 2-0 win against Ukraine.

A fast and attacking game layed by both sides added to the spectacle but the English fans saw their team produce the best display yet under coach Kevin Keegan. Ukraine also impressed for long spells with their passing and great movement and in Shevchenko and Rebrov have one of the top striking partnerships in the international game.

England used Robbie Fowler in partnership with Alan Shearer and the players were in encouraging form when they were involved.

Robbie Fowler put the home team into the lead in the 43rd minute with a simple finish into the roof of the net.

David Beckham swung a corner into the penalty area onto Alan Shearer's head and the captain's header was palmed away by goalkeeper Kernisenko into Fowler's path.

Fowler was taken off at half time as it emerged that Andy Cole was not even at Wembley for the game. Coach Kevin Keegan had given the Manchester United player permission to miss the match and the announcement later in the night of England's 22 players for Euro 2000. The assumption among the press was that Cole had been left out of the squad for the finals.

Emile Heskey came on at half time for Fowler to partner Alan Shearer.

Ukraine tired in the second half as Scholes and Gerrard took over the passing in midfield with Beckham and the other England players contributing to decent passages of play. The back three were able to advance regularly and the English team guided by Gerrard impressed observers.

Tony Adams sealed the win by volleying a half chance through a crowded penalty area past Popov on the goal line Another Beckham corner set up the chance as the ball ran loose allowing Adams to seize the chance.

England started well and a low cross from Robbie Fowler allowed Paul Scholes to flick a shot against the post.

The 7th minute incident set the tone for an open attacking adventure by both sides. The two teams poured energy and endeavour into their play and produced some stylish passing movements but as the game took shape it was clear that the club understanding gained at Kyiv Dynamo was helping the shape and passing game of Ukraine.

England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn spilled an 11th minute shot from Andriy Shevchenko and the AC Milan star was a constant threat in the session. His turns and touches often came close to unhinging a back three for England.

This change of shape by the England defence meant that Phillip Neville was placed on the left hand side with Liverpool midfielder Stephen Gerrard making a debut in the centre of the team.

As the half wore on the shape was close to collapsing with David Beckham starting to roam in from the right as the fluid patterns created by Ukraine started to dominate. Steve McManaman was played from the start in a free role and contributed some neat passes but not much in an advanced position to threaten the Ukraine defence. Gerrard took on that role and Keegan should keep him in the team for the June matches but Gerrard limped away from the action when he was substituted with eight minutes left.

The loss of Shevchenko and Rebrov from the Euro finals can only diminish the tournament. Ukraine fluffed a two leg play off against Slovenia but this pair showed their quality and understanding throughout the match and gave the English defence a thorough work out.

A right hand cross from Oleg Luzhny in the 55th minute reached Schevchenko at the far post and he outjumped Tony Adams to arrow a straight header at goal. Martyn produced a great save to palm the ball away.

Substitute Nick Barmby set up Emile Heskey with 10 minutes to go as the Ukraine stepped up to try and call offside but the Liverpool striker blew a great chance by hammering the ball into Kernisenko's chest.