As expected, England cruised to a 4-0 victory over Moldova in the World Cup qualifier between the two nations at Wembley last night.

However, of the two encounters, Tuesday's trip to Ukraine was always considered to be the more difficult one for Roy Hodgson's side.

With that in mind, Sports Mole has looked back on the clash with the Moldovans to determine, what, if anything, can be learned ahead of the match in Kiev.

Welbeck will be missed

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck will feel hard done by this morning, and with some justification. His caution for kicking the ball away, although the whistle had been blown for offside just a second before, was harsh to say the least. It has ruled him out of the Ukraine match by suspension, having been booked earlier in the campaign. What's more, that was for simulation in Montenegro when replays showed that he had actually been fouled! He may not score the number of goals that he perhaps should (even though he found the net twice against Moldova), but his pace on the counter-attack is a valuable asset.

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Lambert to lead the line

Some will say that Rickie Lambert has been fortunate, what with Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge suffering from injuries. The Southampton striker has made the most of his chances, though, having scored against Scotland and Moldova. He also showed his creative side last night by setting up both of Welbeck's goals. The fact that he was taken off with 20 minutes remaining, particularly when considering that Welbeck is banned, has resulted in reports that he could be in line to start next week.

New roles for Gerrard, Lampard

Since 2004, when their presence in the centre of midfield forced Paul Scholes out on to the left wing, the Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard partnership has had its critics. Now approaching their veteran years, neither is able to cover the distance that they once could. As a result, and for the first time in an England shirt, the duo were handed deeper roles, with Jack Wilshere given permission to roam further up the pitch. It may only have been Moldova, but Gerrard and Lampard both put in solid performances and maybe did enough to retain their roles next time out.

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Milner given wide berth

"We know what James will do. James isn't and doesn't pretend to be as exciting as some of the wingers we sometimes use these days. After a long period of time where I've not seen many wingers in the country, I am seeing lots of young ones, aged 22 and under. In Kiev we will need the experience, the strength and the quality. Milner is not a winger, but the qualities he brings could be very useful for us," said Hodgson when asked if James Milner would come into contention for the Ukraine match. Not for the first time, Hodgson appears to have safety in mind.

Big pressure on Wilshere

Believe it or not, last night was only the ninth time that Wilshere has represented England at senior level. Also, it was only the first occasion that he had turned out for the Three Lions in this qualifying process. As mentioned above, he was given a free role against Moldova and appeared to flourish in that. He's bound to be given more defensive responsibilities against Ukraine, but will still be expected to be England's creative force from the centre of the field.

Written by
Liam Apicella