Robert Green saw red as Fabio Capello tasted his first competitive defeat as coach of England in a 1-0 defeat to Ukraine in World Cup qualifying Group 6. The West Ham stopper was dismissed after just 14 minutes following a foul on Artem Milevskiy.

A defensive mistake from Rio Ferdinand had presented the Ukraine striker with a clean run on goal.

Andriy Shevchenko fired the resulting penalty wide but Ukraine managed to take the lead just before the half hour when Serhiy Nazarenko's shot was deflected past substitute keeper David James by Ashley Cole.

Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney had opportunities to level but overall this was a disappointing display from the Three Lions despite a spirited second half effort from ten men.

Ukraine struck the woodwork and substitute keeper David James ensured the scoreline remained within England's reach.

But Ukraine held on to move to the brink of a play-off place.