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16 June 2012| last updated at 09:19AM

EURO 2012: UK press hails Welbeck's 'Flick in Kiev'



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LONDON: Britain’s press hailed striker Danny Welbeck’s late goal that handed England a 3-2 victory over Sweden on Friday, but sounded a warning about the defending that let in two goals.

 

The victory in Kiev means Roy Hodgson’s team only need a point from their  final Group D game against hosts Ukraine to go through to the last eight at the  European Championships.
 
“Welbeck to the rescue to leave Hodgson’s men in driving seat”, said the  Daily Mail.
 
“Danny Welbeck’s sublime finish put England on the path towards the  knockout stages in a rollercoaster match at Euro 2012.
 
“When the dust finally settles, Hodgson will take huge satisfaction from  the knowledge both his bold selection moves, picking (Andy) Carroll and  introducing (Theo) Walcott, paid off handsomely.
 
“Less palatable will be replays of the atrocious defending that forced  England to launch their memorable fightback after a half-time lead turned into  a deficit as (Olof) Mellberg twice took advantage of opponents’ slackness to  put Sweden in front (Glen Johnson was officially credited with an own goal for  the first one).”
 
The Sun came up with the headline “Flick in Kiev”.
 
England captain Steven Gerrard “has been growing into the deeper role that  Hodgson has given him and he was England’s best player in the first half,” the  top-selling tabloid said.
 
“The Liverpool skipper was at the heart of all that was good for the Three  Lions and it was quick thinking that helped break the deadlock.”
 
Manchester United forward Welbeck’s 78th-minute goal was “an incredible  turnaround but a strike worthy of winning any game”, it added.
 
The Guardian asked: “Who said Roy Hodgson’s England don’t do excitement?
 
“That was one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far,  full of moments of genius and ineptitude in equal measure.
 
“It looked like England had blown it when they found themselves 2-1 behind  in the second half.
 
“England only need a draw to seal a place in the last eight. Wayne Rooney  will be available after his suspension... but who needs Wayne Rooney when  you’ve got Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll?" -- AFP

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