England's World Cup qualification campaign enters a critical stage as they take on Ukraine in a battle for control of Group H.
Roy Hodgson's men are currently in pole position to progress automatically to next summer's tournament in Brazil but it has been hard work from the start and there is still everything to play for.
The Three Lions are level on points with Montenegro at the top of the group but have a game in hand and it is Ukraine, a point further back, who have emerged as the most dangerous challengers following a fine run of form under Mykhaylo Fomenko.
Tricky home games against Montenegro and Poland lie ahead for England next month but they must first negotiate a formidable test in Kiev which Hodgson admits is 'like a cup final'.
Defeat would leave England needing Ukraine to slip up but a victory or even a draw would keep them in control of their own destiny and Hodgson is taking inspiration from a goalless night in Italy in 1997 which saw the team through to the World Cup.
He said: "There are parallels. But we stuck together, dug ourselves in to get a good result and if we can do something similar I'll be as happy as I was leaving the Olympic Stadium in Rome that evening."
England required a late penalty from Frank Lampard to salvage 1-1 draw against Ukraine at Wembley and the Chelsea midfielder will make his 100th international appearance in the return fixture.
Hodgson can also take encouragement from a 1-0 victory over Ukraine in the group phase of Euro 2012, before they bowed out of the competition at Kiev's Olympic Stadium following a defeat by Italy on penalties.
Preparations for the latest trip to Kiev have not been helped by injuries to players such as Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge, while Danny Welbeck is also suspended after picking up a yellow card in Friday's 4-0 victory over Moldova.
Kyle Walker, meanwhile, has had to apologise after photographs emerged over the weekend of him taking the 'legal high' nitrous oxide, although Hodgson has confirmed the Tottenham Hotspur right-back will keep his place.
While England were sharpening up for tougher games ahead with a comfortable win against Moldova, Ukraine were even more emphatic in a 9-0 demolition of San Marino on Friday.
That result made it four wins out of four for Ukraine since Fomenko took charge, and the coach is desperate to keep the run going.
Asked if Tuesday's game was the biggest match of his life, he replied: "Not only of mine. Because with victory, this match gives us the possibility to achieve our objectives."
Ukraine will be at home to Poland in their next game before finishing their qualifying campaign with a journey to San Marino.
