Donetsk (Ukraine), Jun 19 (IANS): England manager Roy Hodgson confirmed at a pre-match press conference that striker Wayne Rooney will start at the final Euro 2012 group match against Ukraine.

The Manchester United striker, who just came out of a two-match suspension, had missed the first two Group D matches ahead of Tuesday's last one due to a red card in the qualifier against Macedonia, reported Xinhua.

"I have made it clear that Wayne Rooney will start. That decision has been made," Hodgson said.

"He has been training and he is fully fit. He is as sharp as he was when he played his last game for Manchester United," he added.

Hodgson will now have to drop either Danny Welbeck or Andy Carroll. Both the strikers scored in England's 3-2 win over Sweden Friday.

"It is a difficult choice as both have done so well. They have given me the classical manager's headache, but it a headache we all want," Hodgson said.

England, having tied with France 1-1 and beaten Sweden 3-2, need a draw to qualify for the last eight, while France also need just one point to advance in the other Group D match against the already-eliminated Swedes.