Lampard: We have to be at our best

Lampard: We have to be at our best

Published Sep. 8, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

Frank Lampard admits Ukraine may go into Tuesday's World Cup qualifier seeking revenge for their Euro 2012 defeat to England.

England beat the tournament co-hosts 1-0 in Donetsk last June, Wayne Rooney with the goal while Ukraine were aggrieved to be denied an equalizer when Marko Devic's shot appeared to cross the line before John Terry cleared.

The teams have met already in the current qualifying campaign, Lampard's late penalty earning England a 1-1 draw at Wembley and possibly deepening any sense of frustration within the Ukrainian ranks.

But looking back to last summer's clash, Lampard said: "They're two separate games, I watched that game from home and it was a tough game.

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"It maybe means a bit for them to get revenge but we just have to be on our game on the night."

England lead the group on goal difference from Montenegro, with Ukraine only a point behind and Poland also within striking distance.

And Lampard said: "We were very aware it was a tough group from the outset.

"People can dismiss a group when they don't see a Spain or a Germany but we were aware there were some tough teams there.

"We've got to go out on Tuesday and get a result. It's in our own hands with two home games to come after that.

"A win would put us in a very strong position. We've got two tough home games to come, but I think if we can fly back with three points then we're in a very strong position to go through."

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