Anatoliy Tymoshchuk: If we beat England we’re off to Brazil

Tymoshchuk in action (L). (Getty Images)

Ukrainian international Anatoliy Tymoshchuk has fired his teammates up by stating that a place in next year’s World Cup is guaranteed if his team manage to overcome England on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old spent four seasons at Bayern Munich, helping the German champions win the treble last season but returned to his former club Zenit St. Petersberg this season. The player has notched more than 130 appearances for his country, going on to become the most capped player in the history of Ukraine.

Tymoshchuk, who is his country’s most capped player, said:  “If we win we’re in Brazil and I’m confident we are good enough to do it.”

Ukraine drew 1-1 with the Three Lions when they last met. During the 2006 World Cup his country reached the quarter finals of the tournament only to succumb to a 3-0 defeat by would-be champions Italy.

“It would be amazing to reach the World Cup and then to set ourselves a new target,” he says.

“And I’m really confident we can do it.”

England are on top of Group H with 15 points while Ukraine are placed third with 14 points.