World Cup qualifiers as it happened

England grab a late draw against Ukraine, Wales are thrashed by Serbia and Northern Ireland are held by Luxembourg in the second round of World Cup qualifiers.

11 September 2012 Last updated at 21:50 GMT

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As it happened

In Summary

  • Result: England 1-1 Ukraine
  • Lampard levels with penalty, Gerrard sent off
  • Result: Serbia 6-1 Wales
  • Wales run ragged in Serbia
  • Result: Northern Ireland 1-1 Luxembourg
  • Irish undone by late leveller
  • Result: Scotland 1-1 Macedonia
Reporting by
  • Tom Rostance, BBC Sport
  1. 2247: 

    That's all from us for another evening.

    Join Phil Dawkes on Saturday for a busy day as the Premier League returns, starting with Norwich v West Ham at 12:45 BST.

  2. 2242: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Sean Jimminson on Twitter: "The closest Scotland will get to Rio is if @rioferdy5 is spotted in Gretna!"

    Cameron Bouse on Twitter: "That's not optimism from Levein it is sheer delusion."

  3. 2232: 

    "Two points from the top" - a gem of a line from Craig Levein. Or, to put it another way, Scotland are two points from the bottom...

  4. 2230: 

    Scotland manager Craig Levein: "I look at the league table and we're two points off the top. I'm disappointed but not disheartened.

    "I want to get Scotland to a major tournament, we can do better and I want us to do better in the next match.

    "Every team can take points off of each other but we're still hanging in there. It's about being positive and looking forward to the next game."

  5. 2230: 

    Anyone want to hear from Scotland boss Craig Levein? You have to admire his optimism...

  6. 2228: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Adam Williamson on Twitter: "Konopianka looks a player. Decent result in the end, Welbeck changed the game when he came on."

    Sam Nicoli on Twitter: "Does this mean we might not be the third best team in the world?"

    Duncan Wainscott on Twitter: "Let me just get this straight, the "Great British Summer of Sport" ended this morning, right?"

    Michael Empson on Twitter: "England played reasonably well but just couldn't finish today, good chances were created which is an improvement."

  7. 2221: 
    ROUND-UP

    France beat Belarus 3-1 while Netherlands overcame Hungary 4-1. Manchester United striker Robin van Persie was taken off at half-time in that match.

    Italy defeated Malta 2-0 while Silvestre Varela, Helder Postiga and Bruno Alves gave Portugal a 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan and Germany beat Austria 2-1.

  8. 2219: 

    Group A does not make pretty reading for our sides, as Wales sit bottom on zero points and a goal difference of minus seven, and Scotland lie in fourth behind Serbia, Belgium and Croatia.

  9. 2215: 

    More from Roy Hodgson: "Had we lost the game it would have been harsh on us as we deserved the draw.

    "The first 15 minutes we weren't at our best. The next 75 minutes we dominated the game totally. We created chances throughout the game, we struck the post three times. We thoroughly deserved a point.

    "I am very happy with what happened out there. The fact is we played against a very good Ukraine team but I was very pleased with the way the players went about their task. I leave Wembley tonight a lot more confident that we have a squad that will take us to Rio in 2014."

  10. 2213: 

    England manager Roy Hodgson: "I am disappointed. There won't be too many people watching the game that would disagree with me when I say some of the yellow cards were extremely harsh. Steven Gerrard was very unfortunate to get sent off, I would be amazed if he made two tackles during that game, let alone two bookable offences.

    "Luckily we got our reward and who knows if Steven Gerrard had managed to stay on the pitch we might have got a winner."

  11. 2211: 

    England sit level with Poland and Montengro after two games in Group H then, all three teams are on four points from the two games. Plenty to play for on the qualification road...

  12. 2207: 

    Next up for England is a home game with San Marino on Friday 12 October, while Wales host Scotland on the same evening. That could be a tough evening for both managers, while Northern Ireland have to travel to Portugal four days later.

  13. 2203: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Jack in London on text: "All of this 'they didn't try like the Athletes did' is nonsense. We all need to remember it's sport. No one one expected Rutherford to win the long jump. Nor did they expect us to draw with Ukraine. It's not lack of passion. It's sport."

    Portugeezer on text: "I see the simplistic 'Olympians good, footballers bad' nonsense is being spouted again. Athletes train to peak once every four years. Footballers are expected to peak every three days and are slated when they don't."

  14. 2203: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Alex Gibson on Twitter: "Well, the UK as a whole got three points, even if none of the constituent parts did..."

  15. 2201:  
    Former England boss Graham Taylor on BBC Radio 5 live

    "Whilst Ukraine may say they are happy with the draw but they could have had so much more. As the game wore on they became more and more obsessed with hanging on to the point and they dropped deeper and deeper and ultimately contributed to their own downfall.

    "In terms of England, if you drop points at home usually you suffer from that. But let's be honest this is in a relatively easy group. To have San Marino after this is ideal, that could easily be another four or five nil."

  16. 2200:  
    Mark Lawrenson on BBC Radio 5 live:

    "From England's point of view to get a point is a real bonus. We saw from the way Ukraine celebrated that they think this is a big result but they could have had so much more. They seemed to forget the things that worked so well for them for the first hour and a bit of that game and just let England back in.

    "England had some outstanding players missing but I am not sure even with Terry, Rooney, Walcott and whoever else playing tonight that would have made any difference. From England's point of view when you don't play very well and pinch a point you begin to think it could just turn out to be a very good result."

  17. 2159:  
    BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty at Wembley

    "England rescue a point with a stirring closing phase - led by Danny Welbeck with an inspirational appearance as substitute. Tough night for England against an accomplished Ukraine side. Different world from the ease of the win in Moldova."

  18. 2159: 

    England's goalscorer Frank Lampard: "I'm very pleased to see the penalty it hit the back of the net. Nobody understands why Jermain Defoe's goal was disallowed, it wasn't a foul at all and we are not happy.

    "We wanted to win the game but considering the circumstances we showed character to win a point. It's a long group and it's a good result considering we were 1-0 down with 10 minutes to go."

  19. 2156: 

    Steven Gerrard's red card there was the 14th red shown to an England player, and he is the 12th man to endure the walk of shame, as Wayne Rooney and David Beckham have been sent off twice.

  20. 2153: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Tony on text: "Trust Britain's inept overpaid footballers to bring the fantastic summer of sport down with a bump. They really need to take a look at themselves, there is no comparison between the efforts and enthusiasm of them and all the other sports people since Wiggo's TdF victory."

    Marie on text: "Heartbreaking for a Northern Ireland fan. Players played admirably and Michael O'Neil's tactics were all right. Poor own goal with Brunt hitting the post and ridiculous disallowed goals all contributed; perhaps the luck of the Irish wasn't with us today."

    MW on text: "Usual England, no passion, no ideas. After the Olympics it shows that the overpaid so called football stars cannot play with the pride and passion of team GB. WHAT A LET DOWN."

  21. 2153: 

    What do we make of that then? Get in touch...

  22. 2152: 
    FULL-TIME- Scotland 1-1 Macedonia
  23. 2152: 
    FULL-TIME- England 1-1 Ukraine
  24. 2151: 

    Infostrada Sports on Twitter: "At age 32 years and 104 days, Steven Gerrard becomes the oldest ever player to be sent off for England."

  25. 2151: 

    Joe Hart comes out to punch the free-kick away. Solid goalkeeping that.

  26. 2150: 
    YELLOW CARD- Glen Johnson

    Glen Johnson will now miss the next game at home to San Marino after bringing down his man in a dangerous area.

  27. 2149: 

    I've just seen that original penalty appeal by Danny Welbeck again - no penalty. The Manchester United man went to ground too easily. We are into stoppage-time at Wembley.

  28. 2146: 

    What a few minutes that was. Scotland are still level with Macedonia by the way...

  29. 2145: 
    RED CARD FOR ENGLAND- Steven Gerrard (88 mins)

    The England skipper is shown his second yellow card, deservedly so, as he dives in on Denys Garmash. He trudges off and hands the captain's armband to Frank Lampard.

  30. 2143: 
    GOAL- England 1-1 Ukraine - Frank Lampard (87 mins)

    Nobody has scored more penalties for England, and there is no doubt as Frank Lampard thumps home from the spot to move level with Bryan Robson on 26 international goals.

  31. 2143: 
    PENALTY TO ENGLAND

    Danny Welbeck wins the penalty this time though, lifting the ball over Yevhen Khacheridi and seeing the ball strike his arm.

  32. 2141: 
    PENALTY APPEAL

    Danny Welbeck runs on to a loose ball, he hurdles a tackle and hits the deck - he wants a penalty but the referee isn't interested. Was that a pen?

    Ukraine then counter right up the other end and Roman Zozulia should make it 2-0 but slices his shot from close range.

  33. 2140: 
    FULL-TIME- Northern Ireland 1-1 Luxembourg
  34. 2138: 
    HITS THE WOODWORK

    England are 10 minutes away from defeat here - but they remain very pedestrian in their build-up play. But wait!

    Daniel Sturridge crosses from the left, it drops for Danny Welbeck who hammers his shot against the post from eight yards. He has to score that at this level.

  35. 2138: 

    Former captain Kevin Ratcliffe sums up Wales' night on BBC Radio Wales: "That's as bad a Welsh display as I can remember for a long time. I just don't know where to start, really.

    "For 10 minutes we looked as if we were going to cause this team a few problems. It looked lacking in confidence and we were up for it.

    "And we were hit with a goal and from then on our heads dropped and we just didn't seem to have any leaders in the side.

    "And it doesn't help when your captain's [Aaron Ramsey] not playing well."

  36. 2137: 
    FULL-TIME- Republic of Ireland 4-1 Oman

    At least someone has clocked up a win - even if it is only a friendly.

    Oman pulled a goal back when Eid Al-Farsi lost his marker before shooting beyond sub keeper Darren Randolph but another Republic debutant Alex Pearce competed the scoring with five minutes remaining.

    Oman haven't put up much of a challenge but after the poor display in Astana, Giovanni Trapattoni will surely be happy with his team's performance.

  37. 2135: 

    This is not turning into a good night for the home nations is it? Nobody is winning. Scotland are knocking on the door though, with Jordan Rhodes twice going close with headers. England look flat, Wales have been hammered and Northern Ireland are into stoppage time. Grim.

  38. 2134:  
    Former England boss Graham Taylor on BBC Radio 5 live

    "I don't see much hope for England. They are just not getting enough fluidity in their game at the moment. I have to say that Ukraine have played extremely well and much will depend on whether they can maintain their discipline. I fancy they will."

  39. 2131: 
    GOAL- Northern Ireland 1-1 Luxembourg - (Dan Da Mota, 86 mins)

    Extraordinary! They have hardly been in the opposition's half, but Luxembourg are level. Dan Da Mota - who scored against Portugal on Friday - finds the net from 20 yards via a huge deflection off Ryan McGivern.

  40. 2131: 
    SUBSTITUTION- Ryan Bertrand on for Leighton Baines

    A 'game-changer' from Roy Hodgson this one...

  41. 2130: 
    HITS THE WOODWORK

    Northern Ireland have had a hat full of chances and they should be 2-0 up now - Chris Brunt is played clean through but hits the near post.

  42. 2129: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Hywell in Llanelli on text: "Chris Coleman has undone near enough a decade of hard work. I'm embarrassed, frustrated and upset. It's so sad to see."

    All of Wales on text: "He plays on the left, he plays on the leeeeeeeft, can you hear us Chris Coleman? Bale plays on the left!"

  43. 2127: 
    SUBSTITUTION- Daniel Sturridge on for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
  44. 2126: 
    CLOSE!

    Lovely from Glen Johnson, this is as close as England have come since the restart. Johnson cuts in from the right and drives in a low shot with his left foot which Andriy Pyatov turns aside.

  45. 2123: 
    FULL-TIME- Serbia 6-1 Wales

    A tennis score in Novi Sad. Novak Djokovic himself would be proud of that one.

  46. 2123:  
    BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty at Wembley

    "England struggling to land any powerful punches on Ukraine despite seeing plenty of the ball in the second half. Manager Roy Hodgson has called on Manchester United's Danny Welbeck to change all that."

  47. 2122: 

    Back at Wembley, it looks like Danny Welbeck has moved out to the left with Jermain Defoe remaining as the lone striker. England have 25 minutes to rescue this one.

  48. 2119: 
    GOAL- Serbia 6-1 Wales - Miralem Sulejmani (89 mins)

    Confidence is so low in this Welsh team now and it's another mistake which leads to the sixth goal for Serbia. Again the ball is given away cheaply, and Miralem Sulejmani cracks in a shot which takes a huge deflection and loops over Boaz Myhill. This is the first time since 1997 that Wales have shipped six goals.

  49. 2119: 
    SUBSTITUTION FOR ENGLAND- Danny Welbeck on for Tom Cleverley
  50. 2118: 

    Michael Carrick may agree with you there Jon. Two games after returning to the squad and he's not started either.

  51. 2118: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Paul F on text: "It is simply unbelievable that Kyle Walker isn't playing. Even more that Lennon is behind Sterling and Walcott in the pecking order."

    Sam in Cardiff on text: "I'm sorry but is there a centre half who looks less comfortable on the ball then Lescott? Rio's an attacking creative midfielder by comparison."

    Jon on text: "Same England as in the Euros! Not keeping the ball. Why call up Carrick if you aren't going to use him??? He's the master."

  52. 2114: 
    CLOSE!

    Ukraine almost make it 2-0. Yevgen Konoplianka flies clear down the left and puts in a marvellous cross with the outside of his left boot. Roman Zozulia is waiting in the middle but Leighton Baines is able to get a boot on it and steer the ball just over the top. Fine play again from Konoplianka.

  53. 2114: 

    Former Wales captain Kevin Ratcliffe on BBC Radio Wales: "We've not cleared our lines. It was a great strike, but it could have been stopped. Poor, poor defending once again - we do look like whipping boys."

  54. 2112: 

    Just before that Serbian goal Frank Lampard went close for England with a rising half-volley, but the play has slowed down a tad to be honest. Need more urgency from England.

  55. 2109: 
    GOAL- Serbia 5-1 Wales - Branislav Ivanovic (80 mins)

    The Chelsea man continues his fine goal-scoring start to the season but again the defending is verging on the schoolboy. Darcy Blake has the ball inside his own area, he has all manner of time to make a pass or a clearance, but he delays and is stripped of the ball. It drops for Branislav Ivanovic who rattles a left-footed effort into the corner.

  56. 2108: 
    GREAT SAVE!

    Boaz Myhill has to pull off a full-length save to keep out a fifth for Serbia, who have been extremely impressive so far this evening. Aleksandar Kolarov then lines up another free-kick but this one hits the wall and is over.

  57. 2107: 

    Northern Ireland still lead 1-0 in Belfast, though they have had another goal chalked off for offside. So far so good for Michael O'Neill's men - though they would want a two-goal cushion I am sure.

  58. 2106: 

    England move the ball nicely across to Glen Johnson on the right and his low cross is a dangerous one, nicking off a Ukraine boot and behind for a corner. Johnson has been a threat down that right again tonight. Ukraine clear the corner away.

  59. 2104: 
    YELLOW CARD FOR ENGLAND- Jermain Defoe

    Defoe sees yellow for jumping into Anatoliy Tymoschuk - again, a bit harsh on the Spurs man I reckon.

  60. 2104: 
    KICK-OFF- Scotland 1-1 Macedonia

    Kick-off at Hampden.

  61. 2103: 

    No changes for England, who don't have much in store on the bench if truth be told. Danny Welbeck seems the most obvious attacking change on offer.

  62. 2101: 
    KICK-OFF- England 0-1 Ukraine

    The second half is back under way at Wembley. Can Roy's boys turn this one around?

  63. 2100: 

    At Wembley, 'Heroes' is blaring out over the tannoy as members of TeamGB are paraded on the pitch. David Bowie had a very good Games with that one didn't he?

  64. 2057: 
    PENALTY APPEAL

    It almost gets worse for Wales, who are carved open yet again. A cross from the left sees a shot blocked by the arm of Darcy Blake, but the referee waves away Serb appeals for a spot-kick.

  65. 2057:  
    Former England boss Graham Taylor on BBC Radio 5 live

    "Ukraine have been the better side, but England have had the chances and it is up to them to take them.

    "England have plenty of injuries and there isn't perhaps the depth on the bench tonight. But this is a competitive game now and England have to find a way to win it. Ukraine have got some very, very good players. Of those 11 players, 10 of them are playing in their home country. I find that very interesting in today's football."

  66. 2055: 

    Welsh heads are beginning to drop as they struggle to get any of the ball in Novi Sad. This result may put Scotland's draw on Saturday in a different light...

  67. 2052:  
    BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty at Wembley

    "Sobering first 45 minutes for England against a Ukraine side looking comfortable and confident in possession - but Roy Hodgson's side have had chances to they can take encouragement from that."

  68. 2052: 
    KICK-OFF- Northern Ireland 1-0 Luxembourg

    The second half is go in Belfast...

  69. 2052: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Paul on text: "Re 2029: what did they play, the theme tune to the Omen?"

  70. 2049: 

    This could get really embarrassing for Wales, who have hardly got out of their own half since the restart. Aleksandar Kolarov is the latest to threaten with a pile-driver from 25 yards which flies just wide. Serbia are rampant.

  71. 2049: 
    HALF-TIME- England 0-1 Ukraine
  72. 2048: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Robin van Nistelrooy on Twitter: "England deserve that for not taking our chances! Need to be more clinical."

    Phil Vieira on Twitter: "Konoplyanka take a bow son! Great Goal!"

  73. 2045: 
    CLOSE!

    Tom Cleverley - you have to be there to miss them. The Manchester United man missed that absolute sitter earlier on and he has had two more sights of goal. First he side-foots horribly wide from Frank Lampard's cross, and then fires into the side-netting from close range. England ending the half well though.

  74. 2045: 
    GOAL- Serbia 4-1 Wales - Dusan Tadic (55 mins)

    All over for Wales now surely. A fantastic surge down the right from Chelsea man Branislav Ivanovic ends with a cut-back which is brutally finished by Dusan Tadic from close-range. Again, the defence was all at sea.

  75. 2044:  
    BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty at Wembley

    "Ukraine fans ecstatic in a corner of Wembley - and why not? Their team have been excellent and Yevgen Konoplianka's wonderful goal is exactly what they have deserved."

  76. 2042: 
    GOAL- Scotland 1-1 Macedonia - Kenny Miller (43 mins)

    Do not adjust your sets - Kenny Miller nets for Scotland. Jamie Mackie breaks clear and squares for the under-fire striker to score from close range.

  77. 2042:  
    Mark Lawrenson on BBC Radio 5 live:

    "Unstoppable, absolutely unstoppable. Konoplianka just cut inside and curled it away from Joe Hart. That all came when England give the ball away again, Joleon Lescott the culprit this time, but Ukraine moved the ball quickly and the finish was decisive.

    "It is no more than Ukraine deserve and yet arguably England have had the best chance of the lot. Every time I see Lescott play, he always makes a mistake. But that was a brilliant finish and Joe Hart was nowhere near it."

  78. 2040: 

    That was a brilliant goal from the man who was highlighted as a real threat in the Euros for Ukraine. England haven't been bad tonight, but Ukraine have been decent. There are five minutes of the first half remaining.

  79. 2038: 
    GOAL- England 0-1 Ukraine - Yevgen Konoplianka (39 mins)

    A peach. A superb goal from Ukraine's Yevgen Konoplianka, who cuts inside from the left wing and bends in a truly brilliant strike which arrows past Joe Hart and into the top corner from fully 25 yards. Stunning, stunning goal.

  80. 2038: 

    Scotland still trail 1-0 at Hampden. Don't forget, you can follow a separate comprehensive live text commentary from BBC Scotland.

  81. 2036: 
    KICK-OFF- Serbia 3-1 Wales

    Back in play in Serbia...

  82. 2035:  
    Mark Lawrenson on BBC Radio 5 live:

    "That is a massive, massive miss from England's point of view. Either side of the goalkeeper, who was falling back, and that is in. Incredible. Gerrard has been the best passer for England by a million miles and it was his ball into Defoe that set that chance up for Cleverley."

  83. 2035: 
    HALF-TIME- Northern Ireland 1-0 Luxembourg
  84. 2033: 
    CLOSE!

    What a miss! England should be ahead but Tom Cleverley misses a sitter. Steven Gerrard floats in a cross from the right, the Ukraine offside trap get things all wrong and when Jermain Defoe heads across goal Cleverley has a tap-in from four yards out. Somehow, he steers the ball against the shins of goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov when the goal was gaping...

  85. 2033: 

    Ukraine are pressing very high up the pitch and making life difficult for England. As a result Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott are seeing plenty of the ball.

  86. 2031: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Sam Peck on Twitter: "Looking much better now. Growing into the game after a sluggish start - almost the exact opposite of what England normally do!"

  87. 2030: 
    CLOSE!

    Both sides at Wembley look a threat. This time it's Ukraine who go close as Yevhen Selin whips in a beautiful cross from the left and Denys Garmash - on the stretch - pokes his volley just over the top. Fine effort.

  88. 2029: 
    HALF-TIME- Republic of Ireland 3-0 Oman

    The omens looked bad for Oman when the wrong anthem was played for their bemused players.

    Matters didn't improve for them as Shane Long headed the opener on seven minutes with debutant Robbie Brady volleying in a lovely second and then superbly crossing for Kevin Doyle to head the third. A hatful of goals could be on for the Republic such is their dominance.

  89. 2028: 
    ROUND-UP

    Roberto Soldado's late strike has given world and European Champions Spain a narrow victory over Georgia. Belgium's 'golden generation' are currently 1-0 behind to Croatia, while Netherlands are 2-1 ahead against Hungary. Matteo Destro has given Italy the advantage against Malta and France are scoreless against Belarus.

  90. 2027: 

    James Milner gets a shot away at the end of another decent move but it is well blocked by a defender. England then threaten from the following corner but Phil Jagielka doesn't get any power on his header.

  91. 2024: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Jon in Wrexham on text: "I haven't seen Wales play this badly since Bobby Gould was in charge."

    Tom in Old Trafford on text: "Will people stop going on about the disallowed goal at the Euros? Yes it crossed the line but justice was done as the man was clearly offside in the build up to it. Defoe's goal being disallowed incorrectly isn't karma. It's poor refereeing."

  92. 2024: 
    Serbia 3-1 Wales

    BBC Wales commentator Mark Poyser: "Wales the masters of their own downfall. They're 3-1 behind here, but you do get the feeling that all three goals could have been avoided. Serbia in cruise control."

  93. 2023: 

    Northern Ireland are firmly in control at Windsor Park but defender Gareth McAuley is suspended for next month's qualifier against Portugal after picking up a booking for a foul on Daniel da Mota.

  94. 2021: 

    Nice stuff from England. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain starts the move with a burst down the left, it is worked back to Steven Gerrard who finds a cute pass into Jermain Defoe in the area. The striker flicks the ball through first-time for James Milner but the winger can't quite read it. Bright stuff though.

  95. 2020: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Alex Cockle on Twitter: "Make Note: England retaining possession. Improvement."

  96. 2019: 
    DISALLOWED GOAL FOR N IRELAND

    Kyle Lafferty hammers a brilliant shot into the top corner as Northern Ireland look for a second goal, but he was clearly offside when the ball came to him. A shame, as it was a peach of a strike.

  97. 2018: 
    HALF-TIME- Serbia 3-1 Wales

    Lots of work to do for Chris Coleman's side.

  98. 2018:  
    Mark Lawrenson on BBC Radio 5 live:

    "England have had plenty of the ball very deep in their own half and Ukraine are quite happy for them to have it there because they can't hurt them. But when Ukraine do get the ball their movement is causing England problems.

    "Ukraine have been the better team, England need a little period of five or 10 minutes just keeping the ball to get themselves into this game."

  99. 2017:  
    BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty at Wembley

    "Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin's aggressive approach was illustrated when he offered a local journalist outside for "a man talk" after a game during Euro 2012. And his team are taking no backward steps here at Wembley - very positive and England could have easily conceded in these early stages."

  100. 2015: 

    England now having a good spell of possession, with Steven Gerrard seeminly fine after that early scare. Tom Cleverley again looks good, flitting between the lines.

  101. 2014: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Henry on Twitter: "Defoe has a goal disallowed after the Ukrainian defender goes down soft. We're now equal after that Euro Goal debacle."

  102. 2013: 
    CLOSE!

    Ukraine now should be ahead. The visitors break smartly, it falls to Ruslan Rotan who bends his shot past Joe Hart - but skipper Steven Gerrard is there to make the clearance. Brilliant covering from Gerrard.

  103. 2012: 
    GOAL- Serbia 3-1 Wales - Filip Djuricic (39 mins)

    It's all falling apart for Wales. More poor defending sees the ball worked through to Filip Djuricic, Adam Matthews then goes to ground too easily and the Serb is able to walk past him and fire into the roof of the net.

  104. 2010: 
    DISALLOWED GOAL FOR ENGLAND- Jermain Defoe

    Oooh - I'm not sure about this one. Jermain Defoe holds off Andriy Yarmolenko 25 yards from goal before firing into the bottom corner only to see the referee whistle for a foul. He had his hands up, but that is soft.

  105. 2010: 
    GOAL- Scotland 0-1 Macedonia - Nikolce Noveski (11 mins)

    Disaster for Scotland. The visitors enjoy a great couple of minutes against a jittery Scotland rearguard and Ivan Trickovski's low cross is rifled home by Noveski, who judging by the replays, looked to be offside.

  106.  
    Mark Lawrenson on BBC Radio 5 live:

    "I am not sure whether England have actually had the ball under control in Ukraine's half yet. I read somewhere that you can get Ukraine at 8-1 this morning but that is madness they have made a very bright start indeed."

  107. 2007: 

    Decent game shaping up at Wembley though as Ukraine first threaten down their right through Oleg Gusev, before Glen Johnson breaks away down England's right and nearly finds Frank Lampard inside the box.

  108. 2006: 
    Scotland v Macedonia (20:00 BST)

    I neglected to inform you that Scotland's match is under way - they do have their own live text commentary don't forget. It's 0-0 after seven minutes anyway...

  109. 2005: 
    Former Wales captain Kevin Ratcliffe on BBC Radio Wales:

    "That is a terrific strike from Gareth Bale. It dipped and swerved the keeper didn't move. That's a little bit of magic from Bale."

  110. 2004: 
    HITS THE WOODWORK

    Ukraine go close to a fluke opener, as Oleg Gusev sees his deflected cross from the right loop over the head of Joe Hart and against the far post. England survive.

  111. 2003: 
    GOAL- Serbia 2-1 Wales - Gareth Bale (31 mins)

    What a goal this is! Gareth Bale takes a free-kick from 30 yards and just toe punts it, Cristiano Ronaldo like, into the top corner. Superb hit and Wales are back in it.

  112. 2002: 

    Gerrard is straight into the action, and he comes off worse in a block tackle with Roman Zozulia. He limps away from it but looks like he will be fine to continue. I'll keep an eye on him.

  113. 2001: 
    KICK-OFF- England v Ukraine (20:00 BST)

    We have kicked-off at Wembley, and Steven Gerrard could be struggling already...

  114. 1959: 
    GOAL- Northern Ireland 1-0 Luxembourg - Dean Shiels (14 mins)

    Lovely, lovely goal. Jonny Evans carries the ball out from defence like a Brazilian libero, plays a one-two 30 yards from goal before feeding a perfect through-ball for Dean Shiels to run on to. Shiels draws the keeper before superbly lofting a composed lob over him and into the net. Great finish.

  115. 1958: 

    England's players are out for the national anthem at Wembley, where the whole of the top tier seems empty. It looks like a League Two play-off final.

  116. 1955: 
    GOAL- Serbia 2-0 Wales - Zoran Tosic (24 mins)

    Dear oh dear oh dear! Cries of 'get rid' in the BBC office as Wales have three, maybe four, chances to clear after a strong run down the left from that man Aleksandar Kolarov. They don't do that though, and Zoran Tosic is left with a tap-in from six yards. Woeful defending.

  117. 1954: 

    As soon as I say that, Luxembourg have an effort on goal. They only lost 2-1 to Portugal the other day, and they threaten here as the superbly-named Tom Schnell blasts over from 25 yards.

  118. 1952: 

    Wales have responded well to gong behind, pushing forward down the right through Gareth Bale. No breakthrough there though.

    In Belfast, Northern Ireland have started brightly as you'd expect.

  119. 1949: 
    Scotland v Macedonia (20:00 BST)

    Scotland coach Craig Levein has resisted the calls from the Tartan Army to replace striker Kenny Miller with Jordan Rhodes after the Vancouver Whitecaps man missed several chances in the 0-0 draw with Serbia. Instead, he has brought in the attacking presence of Celtic winger James Forrest, with QPR's Jamie Mackie on the other wing and Wigan's Shaun Maloney operating in a forward midfield role in front of Gary Caldwell and James Morrison.

    Indeed, while Charlie Adam, Steven Naismith and Robert Snodgrass drop out, Miller is named as captain again after Caldwell was handed the armband for his 50th cap on Saturday.

  120. 1947: 
    GOAL- Serbia 1-0 Wales - Aleksandar Kolarov (16 mins)

    What a hit. Manchester City man Aleksandar Kolarov punishes Wales with a beauty of a free-kick from 20 yards, bending the ball over the top of the wall and into the top corner. It's his first goal for his country and a hammer blow for Wales.

  121. 1946: 
    KICK-OFF- Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:45 BST)

    We are under way in Belfast.

  122. 1945: 
    LINE-UPS- England v Ukraine (20:00 BST)

    England: Hart, Johnson, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Lampard, Gerrard, Milner, Cleverley, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Defoe. Subs: Ruddy, Walker, Bertrand, Cahill, Carrick, Livermore, Lallana, Sturridge, Welbeck, Sterling, Butland.

    Ukraine: Pyatov, Gusev, Khacheridi, Rakitskiy, Selin, Tymoschuk, Rotan, Yarmolenko, Garmash, Konoplianka, Zozulya. Subs: Koval, Shevchuk, Bezus, Mandzyuk, Nazarenko, Stepanenko, Butko, Devic, Dykan.

    Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)

  123. 1944: 

    Joe Allen concedes a free-kick right on the edge of the area - very close to a penalty for Serbia as Lazar Markovic is tripped by the Liverpool man.

    New Manchester City signing Matija Nastasic then has a great chance from the following free-kick but he mistimes his jump and makes a hash of a free header.

  124. 1942: 
    LINE-UPS- Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:45 BST)

    Northern Ireland: Carroll, Hughes, McGivern, McAuley, Ferguson, Jonathan Evans, Baird, Davis, Brunt, Shiels, Lafferty. Subs: Mannus, Hodson, Ward, Clingan, Grigg, Norwood, Corry Evans, Cathcart, Josh Carson, Trevor Carson.

    Luxembourg: Joubert, Blaise, Schnell, Janisch, Payal, Bukvic, Mutsch, Bettmer, Krogh Gerson, Da Mota Alves, Joachim. Subs: De Sousa, Hoffmann, Collette, Philipps, Jans, Deville.

    Referee: Vlado Glodjovic (Serbia)

  125. 1941: 

    First real attack from Serbia and they nearly work former Manchester United man Zoran Tosic in on the right-hand side of the area, but Adam Matthews recovers well to make the challenge. Nine minutes gone, no score.

  126. 1939: 

    A few of you have asked me how Manchester City new boy Matija Nastasic is getting on in the Serbia defence. He looked a bit of a liability against Scotland I thought, but he's not done much wrong yet. He must be better than Stefan Savic though - surely?

  127. 1936: 

    So far, so good for Wales who have had most of the play in the opening stages. Serbia concede another needless free-kick, and when the ball is only half cleared Chris Gunter slashes his shot high and wide.

  128. 1936: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Michael from London on text: "Has to be Gemma Gibbons in midfield. She'd be great in the holding role."

    Chris on text: "Ben Ainslie centre back. Solid, reliable and delivered under pressure. Has the build for it as well."

  129. 1933: 

    Gareth Bale wins a free-kick from Manchester City full-back Aleksandar Kolarov in a lively start from Wales. Steve Morison wins a clean header from the ball in but Serbia deal with it easily.

  130. 1932: 
    KICK-OFF- Serbia v Wales (19:30 BST)

    A few minutes late, but we have kicked off in Serbia.

  131. 1930: 

    Not long until kick-off now then. Wales begin our competitive action this evening in Serbia, who were held to a 0-0 draw on Saturday by Scotland. Wales could do with nicking this one though...

  132. 1926: 
    LINE-UPS- Serbia v Wales (19:30 BST)

    Serbia: Stojkovic, Ivanovic, Bisevac, Nastasic, Kolarov, Tomovic, Tadic, Fejsa, Djuricic, Tosic, Markovic. Subs: Kahriman, Petrovic, Sulejmani, Maksimovic, Matic, Lekic, Mijailovic, Ninkovic, Subotic, Lazovic, Brkic.

    Wales: Myhill, Gunter, Ashley Williams, Blake, Matthews, Edwards, Allen, Ramsey, Bale, Morison, Church. Subs: Brown, Davies, Ricketts, Richards, Vaughan, King, Earnshaw, Vokes, Jonathan Williams, Robson-Kanu, Price.

    Referee: Duarte Gomes (Portugal)

  133. 1926: 
    LINE-UPS- Republic of Ireland v Oman (19:30 BST)

    Rep of Ireland: Forde, Kelly, St. Ledger, Meyler, Wilson, Coleman, Keogh, McCarthy, Brady, Doyle, Long. Subs: Randolph, O'Brien, McClean, Cox, Ward, Pearce, McGeady, Henderson.

    Oman: Al Habsi, Al Musalami, Muhaiyri, Ghailani, Saad Al Mukhaini, Al Balushi, Ibrahim, Al Farsi, Al Mashri, Maqbali, Al Hosni. Subs: Al Rusheid, Al Awaisi, Al Jabri, Al Hadhri, Basheer, Abdul Salam Al Mukhaini, Habi, Al Ajmi, Al Saadi, Al Rujaibi, Nazmuddin.

    Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)

  134. 1921: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Cameron Bonfield on Twitter: "Adam Gemilli would occupy the wings, while Greg Rutherford would have to be in, as had trials with Aston Villa."

    Oliver Middleton on Twitter: "I would have the Brownlee twins as full-backs - like Fabio and Rafael at United. Would provide great workrate down the flanks."

  135. 1919: 

    Nobody's found a place for Wiggo in this side yet. Centre-half? Or is he a bit, erm, slender for that role?

  136. 1916: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Matt Cartwright on Twitter: "Nice to see Joe Allen back for Wales tonight. Hoping for a win but just scoring a goal would be nice."

    Jon Hind on Twitter: "Peter Wilson up front. He's good at shooting."

    Adam at Wembley, on text: "Tom Daley on the wing, cutting inside to win the penalty."

  137. 1913: 

    Joe Allen's return is undoubtedly a boost for Wales as they go for a win in Serbia. That midfield of Allen, Aaron Ramsey, David Edwards and Gareth Bale looks more than decent - can they feed the front two of Steve Morison and Simon Church though?

  138. 1910: 
    GET INVOLVED

    George Garrett on Twitter: "Louis Smith for goalkeeper - he can fly all over the place."

    Porter on Twitter: "Robbie Grabarz in goals. He'd be fantastic at dealing with high balls into the box."

  139. 1907: 
    Serbia v Wales (19:30 BST)

    Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is fit for Wales - the only change to the side that lost 2-0 to Belgium, taking over from suspended defender James Collins.

  140. 1904: 

    I was very impressed with how England started the game on Friday night. Plenty of tempo and a few early goals.

    Can they repeat the trick tonight? England at Wembley hasn't exactly been a recipe for many memorable matches in recent times. And the win over Ukraine in the Euros was by no means a classic either.

  141. 1903: 

    Nick Parmenter on Twitter: "Jessica Ennis as an all round midfielder! Mo Farah would run all day as a lone striker."

    Richard on text via 81111: "Surely you need golfers in any summer XI to match the below par performances our national teams provide..."

  142. 1900: 
    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:45 BST)

    Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill makes three changes from the 2-0 defeat by Russia. Dean Shiels, Shane Ferguson and Ryan McGivern come into the side with Jamie Ward, Corry Evans and Craig Cathcart dropping out.

  143. 1858: 
    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:45 BST)

    BBC Sport's Alvin McCaig reports: "Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill should secure his first win in charge against one of the traditional whipping boys of European football. Luxembourg sit 23 places above their hosts in the world rankings and Friday's 2-1 defeat by group favourites Portugal suggests they are no pushovers.

    "However, anything less than a home victory would constitute an upset and seriously damage slim hopes of qualifying for the finals in Brazil. Caution epitomised Northern Ireland's approach in the 2-0 loss in Russia - tonight the pressure is on a faltering attack to deliver."

  144. 1858: 
    GET INVOLVED

    Paul on Twitter: "Has to be Jonnie Peacock up front for his sheer pace."

  145. 1856: 
    Scotland v Macedonia (20:00 BST)

    Jamie Mackie, Shaun Maloney and James Forrest come in for Charlie Adam, Robert Snodgrass and Steven Naismith as Craig Levein goes for a home win.

  146. 1855: 

    Over in Novi Sad (look it up), Wales boss Chris Coleman hopes to have Liverpool new boy Joe Allen back in his side tonight. After Friday's 2-0 defeat at home to Belgium, the Welsh need to pull something out of the bag tonight. We should have team news from all the rest of tonight's games in the next few minutes.

  147. 1854:  
    BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty at WembleyEngland v Ukraine (20:00 BST)

    "Roy Hodgson takes charge of his first competitive game at Wembley since becoming England manager as they face Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier. England will hope to build on the success of Friday's 5-0 win in Moldova but will be aware of the dangers posed by Oleg Blokhin's side after their narrow 1-0 win against Ukraine in Donetsk at Euro 2012."

  148. 1852: 

    Scotland fans, you can keep firmly up to speed with all the goings on at Hampden in your own designated live text commentary.

    Join Thomas McGuigan for all the latest chat right here.

  149. 1850: 
    BREAKING TEAM NEWS- England v Ukraine (20:00 BST)

    England boss Roy Hodgson makes one change from the team which won 5-0 in Moldova, as Everton's Phil Jagielka comes in for the injured John Terry.

  150. 1848: 

    England boss Roy Hodgson may have a few selection issues to contend with this evening. Already without Wayne Rooney - who had a gash torn out of his thigh against Fulham the other week - he has lost John Terry, Ashley Cole and Theo Walcott to injury and illness.

    He called up Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Jake Livermore on Monday but they are only expected to fill spots on the bench tonight. The squad is looking a bit thin isn't it?

    As Roy himself said on Monday: "The Premier League is fantastic. But it embraces all the top European players."

    Have England got enough coming through?

  151.  

    England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand on Twitter: "Dinner just got destroyed, get the kids to bed in a bit then ready to watch the boys for England vs Ukraine. 2-1 England (Lampard + Defoe)"

  152. 1846: 
    GET INVOLVED

    I'm also after your nominations for a 'British summer success' XI. I was thinking Mo Farah at right-back, David Weir in a stamina-tastic centre-mid partnership with Andy Murray and maybe Sir Chris Hoy leading the line?

    Give me your selections. We need a solid keeper for a start...

  153.  

    Opta Sports on Twitter: "Ukraine are the only team to beat England in a World Cup qualifier since Northern Ireland in September 2005. Previous."

  154. 1843: 
    GET INVOLVED

    The road to Rio 2014 is a long one, but our sides can all inch a step closer with victories tonight. Will England deliver at Wembley? Can Wales turn it around in Serbia? Can Scotland score? Are we backing Northern Ireland to 'bank' their home banker?

    Let me know all your pre-match thoughts and concerns. You can get in touch by texting in on 81111 (UK Only), or Tweet us at #bbcfootball.

    Pop your names on those texts now though, won't you? Cheers.

  155. 1841: 

    The Republic of Ireland are also in action tonight - it's only a friendly against Ali Al-Habsi's Oman though, as Giovanni Trapattoni takes a look at a few new players.

    That friendly is being played at Fulham's Craven Cottage by the way. Obviously.

    Speaking of friendlies, we are expecting to hear confirmation in the next few days that England will play the Republic at Wembley in one next May.

  156. 1837: 

    There are 24 qualifying ties taking place across Europe this evening, with games in Cyprus, Israel, Georgia and Romania already up and running, but the games we'll be concentrating on are:

    Serbia v Wales (19:30 BST)

    Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (19:45 BST)

    England v Ukraine (20:00 BST)

    Scotland v Macedonia (20:00 BST)

  157. 1834: 

    It's been wall-to-wall sporting glory pretty much since England limped out of the Euros in that penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy, with golds galore in London and Andy Murray even getting in on the act last night with his win in the US Open.

    Can our footballers ride on the wave of euphoria? Or will they capsize and drown?

  158. 1830: 

    England v Ukraine - we've been here before this summer haven't we?

    Just 84 days after Wayne Rooney's scrappy header gave Roy Hodgson's boys a 1-0 win in Donetsk, the sides meet again in a World Cup qualifier.

    This time it's at Wembley, there's no Rooney, it's Hodgson's competitive home debut, and the country has got used to a summer of success after success.

    Don't drop the ball now lads...

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