Wilkins on England

Ray Wilkins explains why he would choose James Milner ahead of Theo Walcott against Ukraine.

Ray Wilkins is an optimist by nature. So it's no surprise that he's feeling upbeat about England's chances of progressing to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. Even so, the former England captain with 84 caps to his name admits he does have reservations about Roy Hodgson's reported team selection for the crunch clash with Ukraine in Donetsk on Tuesday evening. The England boss is thought to be considering dropping James Milner for Theo Walcott after the latter's impressive impact off the bench in Friday's dramatic win over Sweden. And for Wilkins, that's a worry. Asked about the prospect of Walcott replacing Milner, the 55-year-old former Chelsea assistant manager said: "No I don't see that as a positive move at all. I would actually stay with Milner, especially for the opening hour. If we have to bring impact players on like Theo and (Andy) Carroll then by all means bring them on but I would have to say that I'd go with Milner. "(Yevhen) Konoplyanka on the left-hand side is dangerous and (Andriy) Yarmolenko on the other side is also dangerous. Ashley Young and Milner could double up with Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole to prevent that situation materialising for the Ukraine. I think for the first hour just go as we are - obviously with (Wayne) Rooney back in - then see where we are." Although that may seem a cautious approach, it's a factor England need to consider on a night when a draw would see them reach the quarter-finals. Even a defeat may be enough to reach the last eight if Sweden hand France a surprise beating in Kiev. For Ukraine, the clarity of the situation could work in their favour - they must win to go through. And as a member of England's 1982 World Cup squad that was eliminated from the tournament without losing a match, Wilkins knows that going for the win is the only strategy that makes sense. "There's no two ways about it is there - Ukraine have to win. And for our lads it's a bit of a Catch 22 - do they fly at them or are they a little bit more patient. It's always a difficult situation when you don't have to go out and win. There's always that little possibility that you'll go out half-cocked and hope you get the draw. But you have to go out to win and I think that's what the guys will do this evening. I think the lads can only play in one vein and that's to go out and win. If we start thinking about the draw then all types of things can happen." The aforementioned return of Rooney certainly provides a boost for England. Such is the Manchester United forward's status within the squad that the well-worn maxim of 'not changing a winning team' has never seemed so ludicrous. And yet, with Carroll and Danny Welbeck both on the scoresheet against the Swedes, the prospect of handing Rooney a substitute role has been mooted. It's a suggestion Wilkins swiftly rejects, taking the view that Carroll must make way. "There's no choice at all. I'm sure Andy is aware of the situation. Rooney is one of our few world-class footballers and he has to come back in. I'm sure he'll be absolutely thrilled that he's got the opportunity to play because we could be out by this game and the other players have given him this opportunity to be in there still pitching. We'll see a highly-motivated Wayne Rooney and one that plays really well. He's an experienced player now. He's been around long enough to know what's required. I'm looking forward to the game because I think he'll shine for us." Asked if this means he is feeling confident about England's chances, Wilkins said: "Yes I think so. There's no reason not to be. We're improving as the tournament goes on so we're doing well." There is a caveat - Wilkins readily admits he's been wrong before. "I thought before the tournament that the Dutch would have a really good chance because their front six is as good as anything that plays in world football," he added. "But defensively they've been rather inept. I think you'd have to go Germany to be the favourites and as a dark horse I certainly think the Italians are a difficult proposition." Wilkins talks so enthusiastically about Roy Hodgson's team it's easy to assume he believes England can go all the way. But it is his high regard for Cesare Prandelli's Italy team that acts as a check on any ambitions of European glory. World and European champions Spain lie in wait for the runners-up in Group D, while the Italians will be the opponents if England manage to take top spot. And Wilkins regards either team as daunting quarter-final opponents. The former AC Milan midfielder explains: "Obviously if we finish second then we'll play the Spaniards and that will be extremely difficult for us. It would be lovely to win the group and play against Italy but the Italians are playing very well so it doesn't matter. Once you get to the knockout stages of this tournament you're going to be playing someone of, if not better ability then, certainly equal ability to your good selves. The important thing is that we are in the quarter-finals so no matter who it brings on you've got the opportunity in a one-off game. Then it doesn't matter how you win the game - all you can do in this world is your best and hope it is good enough." Ray Wilkins prepares to carry the Olympic Flame through the streets of Egham on behalf of Samsung - a presenting partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. Samsung are giving away two pairs of London 2012 Olympic Games tickets each week until the 27th July 2012. To take part, download the free Samsung Hope Relay app at: www.samsung.com/hoperelay and complete at least 1 mile that week for a chance to win these fantastic prizes.