CHISINAU (Maldova): England coach Roy Hodgson hailed John Terry's warrior-like qualities even though he is now a doubt for Tuesday's Wembley's match against Ukraine.

Hodgson revealed he offered Terry (pic) the chance to exit England's 5-0 win over Moldova this morning 20 minutes from time after he suffered an ankle injury.

With all England's substitutes used, the 31-year-old declined.

In the end, he was forced off anyway, meaning he is now a major doubt for England's second stop on their road to the World Cup.

"I'd liked to have taken him off, and we did suggest we'd play with 10," said Hodgson. "He's a warrior though, so he poo-pooed the suggestion he should come off with 20 minutes to go.

"He took a kick on the ankle in the first half and then twisted it slightly when he landed in front of the bench in the second half.

"They're assessing him at the moment. It's obviously not a very serious injury, but every knock is important with only three days between games."

Frank Lampard spoke glowingly of England's future after they kicked their World Cup qualifying campaign off in fine style.

The Chelsea midfielder scored a brace, with Jermain Defoe, James Milner and Leighton Baines joining him on the scoresheet, but other players also starred.

Arsenal's teenager winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain impressed before being substituted, while emerging Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley also put in a good shift.

As a result, veteran Lampard believes the future of the team is in good hands."They're brilliant, of course they're good enough," he told ITV1.

"Tom is a pleasure to play with and with him being at such a young age, he's going to be right in the middle of the team for years to come.

"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brilliant. He lit up the first half and it's great to see players like that coming through."

On Lampard's praise, Cleverley said: "He's someone I look up to. It's good to hear that."

Cleverley and Lampard rotated around a three-man central midfield with captain Steven Gerrard and then Michael Carrick, and Cleverley enjoyed the freedom given to him by Hodgson.

"We all know where each other is and we are free to rotate," he said.

"If Steve or Frank go forward, I fill in. It works."

England will face a tougher test against Ukraine, with the eastern Europeans still smarting from pushing the Three Lions close with no reward at Euro 2012.

"We can improve. We will look for areas to improve and we need to keep it tight for 90 minutes against a team who are probably better," said Lampard.

- mD