Ukraine scouts have branded Chelsea captain John Terry England's weak link ahead of today's World Cup dead rubber.

As part of their preparations, they sent Sergei Baltacha - father of British tennis player Elena - to spy on the England players.

Baltacha, who played with Ukraine boss Oleksiy Mykhailychenko in the Russia side that beat England at Euro 88, insists that Chelsea flop Andriy Shevchenko can get one over former team-mate Terry.

"There is nothing special about this England team," said Baltacha, who works as a PE teacher in London.

"I will bet on a 1-0 score to the Ukraine. England defenders are slow and they are not of a high level. That is why John Terry is not playing for a European team. He will always have a bad time playing against a long-legged forward.

"You need leaders and I believe Shevchenko will become one against Terry and will outplay him."