England v Poland - Nervy Finale as Rooney's Header & Gettard's Follow Up Goal Puts Three Lions in Final in Brazil
England 2-0 Poland
England: Hart, Smalling, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Carrick (Lampard 71),
Gerrard, Townsend (Milner 86),
Rooney, Welbeck, Sturridge (Wilshere 82).
Subs not used: Ruddy, Jones, Gibbs, Barkley, Defoe, Sterling, Lambert, Forster.
Goal: Rooney 41, Gerrard 88.
Booked: Lampard, Rooney.
Poland: Szczesny, Wojtkowiak, Jedrzejczyk, Glik, Celeban, Blaszczykowski, Mierzejewski (Zielinski 76), Krychowiak, Sobota (Peszko 64), Mariusz Lewandowski (Klich 46), Robert Lewandowski.
Subs not used: Boruc, Wasilewski, Jodlowiec, Polanski, Wawrzyniak, Sobiech, Rzezniczak, Fabianski.
Attendance: 85,186.
Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia)
Full-time: England 2-0 Poland -
ENGLAND QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP
It's all over. England are on their way to Brazil next year. It's an unbeaten campaign for Roy Hodgson's men. There will be no nervous play-off next month - England's name is in the draw for the group stages on December 6.
Update from
Laurie Whitwell:
Quote:
Carnival atmosphere fit for Brazil inside Wembley now. Lots of jumping and clapping even if not entirely in unison.
Hodgson was out his seat like a greyhound from a trap when Gerrard buried that goal. He is finally able to celebrate in the knowledge all those complaints and worries from the campaign can be momentarily forgotten. He hugs literally everyone at the final whistle. Book those tickets to Rio
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AS IT HAPPENED
21:46
Two minutes of added time...
Hodgson looks a little more relaxed now. Rooney has been named man of the match.
Delight: Steven Gerrard celebrates England's second goal in the 88th minute
21:43
GOAL! ENGLAND 2-0 Poland
That will do it!
Steven Gerrard adds a second goal and England breathe a sigh of relief. They're on their way to Brazil now.
The England captain stayed on his feet and finished off with an excellent, deft chip over Szczesny as he lost balance. The ball nestled in the bottom corner and Gerrard wheeled away in celebration.
Most of the 85,186 fans inside Wembley dance in delight. What a game.
All over: England captain Steven Gerrard scores his team's second goal to seal their place at the World Cup
21:41
Five minutes to go at Wembley and it has become extremely tense. A lot of nail chewing at the moment.
Milner comes on for Townsend as England's final change.
21:37
First real effort we've seen from Sturridge tonight as he fires in a shot that Szczesny pushed away.
Second change for England sees Wilshere come on for Sturridge with just under 10 minutes to play.
England have struggled to keep the ball in the last few minutes, maybe this change will help them.
Update from Sportsmail's
Matt Barlow...
Wembley treated to a full-scale 18,000-man Poznan just then. England fans frozen by nerves. The drummer is banging his drum. Another flare burns in the away end.
Collision: Chris Smalling heads the ball past Jakub Blaszczykowski
21:33
Just five minutes on the pitch and a booking for Lampard as he hauls down Peszko.
Meanwhile,
Laurie Whitwell is a bit confused by England's substitution.
Not sure I fully understand Hodgson's first tactical move. Thought Carrick was playing well and keeping tempo - he completed 48 out of 51 passes in the first half. Perhaps he was fading. Lampard will probably score that clinching second now.
More changes coming. Gary Neville has just told Jack Wilshere and James Milner to warm up too.
21:29
That change for England must be a reaction to Poland enjoying more of the ball. England have just slowed the tempo down a bit in the last few minutes.
Sami Mokbel writes:
'Lewandowski's been pretty wasteful in front of goal tonight, you just fear if he's to get another chance tonight, he'll put it away. The way Poland are playing, you'd say there's at least one good opening in them yet.'
21:22
Laura Williamson writes:
'Time for a change in midfield, please Roy. England starting to get over-run a bit here: they're doing well with the ball but look short of numbers in the middle without it.'
... and Roy Hodgson responds. It's Lampard on for Carrick with 20 minutes to play. England's first sub of the night.
21:24
Rooney once again stings the palms of Szczesny from 20 yards. The Manchester United striker has been a joy to watch tonight.
21:21
Second change for Poland as Peszko comes on for Sobota.
Matt Barlow writes:
'Anxious period for England this. The game is stretched and open. Both teams are vulnerable. The tension which normally stifles the game has opened this up. Next goal wins.'
Thwarted: Joe Hart makes a save to deny Robert Lewandowski from equalising
21:20
Still end-to-end stuff at Wembley. Even a Polish pitch invader can't disrupt the electric pace of this game.
Laurie Whitwell wasn't impressed with the invasion.
Quite possibly the jolliest end to a solo pitch invasion in history. Rather portly chap in jester hat doesn't possess quite the speed or swiftness of movement to swerve the pursuing steward in sole pursuit... so gives him a hug instead and grins all the way to the touchline.
Laura Williamson, meanwhile, is enjoying Wayne Rooney's performance.
I've really enjoyed watching Wayne Rooney tonight. The Manchester United forward has really imposed himself on this game, first playing behind Sturridge and chipping the ball left and right and now joining the Liverpool striker in more of a front two. Rooney still isn't afraid to go over to the right wing, though, and already seems to have developed a fine understanding with Townsend, while creating space for Welbeck and Sturridge in the middle.
21:12
SAVED BY HART!
Another chance for Lewandowski but excellent goalkeeping by Hart to stay big and swat away the chip from the Dortmund striker.
A reminder of the danger and threat Poland possess.
21:09
Almost an own goal as Rooney's low cross is deflected just wide of his own post by Krychowiak. It was good tracking back from the Pole, but his heart would have been in his mouth there. Szczesny was stranded.
Roy Hodgson is far from comfortable with this 1-0 lead, as
Laurie Whitwell explains.
Hodgson is out of his seat for the first time, clapping and barking encouragement by the touchline. He is also stroking his face in the manner of someone who knows the job is not done yet.
Back in his seat he leans back and puts his face in his hands as Grzegorz Krychowiak so nearly slides the ball into his own net.
Flying: Rooney wheels away in celebration after his header found the bottom corner
21:07
Much better from England as Rooney, Welbeck and Sturridge combine once more.
Rooney picked out Welbeck with a looped cross to the far post, but his cutback was cleared for a corner.
Cahill's header from the corner forced a decent save from Szczesny. It's fair to say half-time hasn't interrupted the flow of this excellent game.
21:04
It's Poland who start the second half better with a couple of corners.
The substitute Klich had a crack at goal from an angle but his shot just kept rising.
20:58
Here we go again .....
Elsewhere in Europe, Scotland lead Croatia 1-0 and Wales are level at 0-0 in Belgium.
Meanwhile, we're back underway at Wembley. Klich comes on for Lewandowski for Poland... not that one, the other one.
20:57
From OptaJoe on Twitter
51 - Michael Carrick made 51 passes in the first half vs Poland, completing 48 of them. Conductor.
Delight: Wayne Rooney celebrates with team mates after giving England the lead
20:45
Half-time: England 1-0 Poland
What a first half. Cannot remember an England game at Wembley like this.
Rooney's header four minutes before he break has given England a priceless lead that, as it stands, will send them to Brazil next year.
Here's an update from
Laurie Whitwell on Roy Hodgson watch, but I'm off to catch my breath for a little while.
Quote:
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Hodgson gave it the full double-fisted celebration when Rooney headed in, and wore the joyous smile of a child at Christmas. His halftime team-talk will be a lot easier now.
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20:40
GOAL! ENGLAND 1-0 Poland
ROONEYYYYYY!
England get their reward for an excellent first-half performance. Rooney rises high to head Baines' pinpoint cross into the bottom corner.
Wembley erupts (the England section anyway) before cries of 'Rooney, Rooney'. The connection on his header was so sweet that it sent his headband flying.
That goal had been coming. England lead and, more importantly, top Group H as it stands.
Breakthrough: Wayne Rooney heads England into the lead four minutes before half-time
Our brilliant match zone service shows the move that led to Rooney's goal
20:39
Can't remember an England game being this entertaining for a very long time.
Seven minutes left in the first half, here's an update from
Laura Williamson.
At least all is well in club football, anyway! Sturridge won't pass to Gerrard and now Welbeck gets a mouthful from Rooney after refusing to pass the ball back to his Manchester United team-mate after a delicious flick. Tensions rising here.
Effort: Andros Townsend rattled Poland's crossbar with a brilliant effort from 25 yards
20:36
Excellent ball from Rooney over the top to Gerrard and an even better first-time square pass from he England captain sets Welbeck free, but he just couldn't sort his feet out and get the ball under control. Szczesny comes out to smother the ball at his feet.
England really knocking at the door now. They've dominated the last 10 minutes.
20:32
CHANCE!
... this time for England.
It was a corner from the left that bobbled around in the six-yard box before falling to Welbeck. The Manchester United striker swung his left leg at the ball, but somehow dragged it wide of the goal.
Goal-kick given, but Welbeck should have scored there or at very very least hit the target.
Scare: England goalkeeper Joe Hart watches Robert Lewandowski's shot roll wide of the far post
20:30
Breath-taking entertainment
What a first half hour at Wembley. Surely it can't be this open for the full 90 minutes.
Going back to that Lewandowski chance, here's an update from
Sami Mokbel.
Lewandowski is human after all. The Pole really should punished England after a ultra quick break from the visitors. TV footage of Hodgson mumbling: '**** me' to himself said it all.
Laurie Whitwell, on touchline watch, adds...
Roy Hodgson expresses the four-letter word of a nation as he watches Robert Lewandowski go far too close for comfort. Did he not like that. He is sitting arms folded, occasionally stroking his chin and scratching his forehead.
Daniel Sturridge's Strictly Come Dancing routine in the box - and subsequent air shot - has Hodgson stood up in expectation and he takes a few seconds to sit back down again, clearly a little deflated.
20:24
CROSSBAR!
Townsend RATTLES the crossbar with an excellent left-footed effort from 25 yards. Szczesny was beaten all ends up there. Sturridge then had a shot from a tight angle which Szczesny pushed away. Two really good chances for England
20:21
WHAT A CHANCE!
... for Poland!
It was a lightning fast counter attack from Poland from England's corner. The ball came to Lewandowski, who took on Carrick but dragged his left-foot shot wide of the far post. He normally buries them. Massive let off for England. That's a couple of times now that Poland have counter attacked with speed from one of their corners.
Close: Danny Welbeck reacts after just being beaten to Leighton Baines' low cross
20:22
Gerrard whips in an inswinging free-kick from the left that is just beyond the reach of Smalling. Szczesny was scrambling for a while, but the ball fizzed just wide of the far post.
Excellent delivery from the England captain.
20:16
From Sportsmail's Jeff Powell at Wembley
More attacking ambition to this Polish team in the first 15 minutes than Montenegro showed on Friday.
20:19
England awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position on the left flank next to the corner flag. Baines tried to whip it in low towards Sturridge, but the ball never made it that far.
Ukraine are 2-0 in San Marino, which means England now have to win to top the group.
Gone: Poland's Robert Lewandowski evades a challenge from Steven Gerrard
A flare thrown from the Polish section on the pitch at Wembley
20:15
Danger signs for England as Sobota finds space inside the England penalty area but drags his shot into the side netting.
15 minutes played at Wembley, very lively!
20:14
From Sportsmail's Laurie Whitwell on touchline watch
Good and bad for Roy Hodgson to observe so far. Andros Townsend picking up where he left off against Montenegro with attacking verve but England defenders twice backing off dangerously with Robert Lewandowski advancing.
The England manager has left it to assistant Ray Lewington to shout instructions from the technical area, preferring to study from his seat in the dugout.
Expressive: England manager Roy Hodgson takes his seat at Wembley
20:12
Townsend cuts back onto his right foot and fires in a low shot from 20 yards which Szczesny parried dangerously away for Poland. Welbeck couldn't quite get to the rebound first.
At the other end, Sportsmail's
Sami Mokbel is keeping an eye on dangerman Robert Lewandowski.
Just a brief glimpse of Robert Lewandowski's pace. Sped away from Steven Gerrard in midfield like the England skipper was wearing ankle weights. Reminder for England.
20:09
First sniff for England as Baines whips in a low cross towards Welbeck at the near post. The defender just got a stud to the ball before the United striker.
20:07
Subdued start to the game itself, the same can't be said of the fans though. England being booed every time they gain possession.
Excellent atmosphere, though, at Wembley, as
Laurie Whitwell explains.
Who knew Wembley could be a cauldron of atmosphere? OK, the two dozen flares in the Poland end have made the evening a bit bubble, bubble, toil and trouble but England fans are responding. The loudest before kick-off I've heard them here, hoping any Macbeth massacre is inflicted by them.
Laura Williamson adds:
'Even the adverts on the digital hoardings alongside the length of the pitch are in Polish! The English band has started up now but, with the smoke clouding the view of the pitch and the Polish fans still making a lot more noise, Wembley feels very different to the relatively sedate atmosphere of Friday night.'
Hostile: Poland fans light flares during the national anthem at Wembley
Bright: A general view of Wembley during the national anthems as flares were set off by the Polish fans
19:58
From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow
Quite a few Polish flags and scarves held aloft in the England end during the anthems. Long time since I can recall an England atmosphere with this mix of expectancy and passion.
20:00
We're underway at Wembley!
Rooney and Gerrard kick us off to a backdrop of smoke from the Polish flares.
19:59
Polish fans belt out their national anthem with a backdrop of flares in their section at Wembley before waving their scarves.
England's national anthem is loudly jeered by the travelling fans.
Matt Barlow writes:
'Flares everywhere at Wembley and I'm not talking about press box fashion.'
Laurie Whitwell adds:
'Just the two dozen flairs in the Poland end, one man seems to be holding about 10 himself'
19:55
Here come the teams. Wembley certainly isn't lacking atmosphere tonight.
Bright: Poland fans light flares as they walk along Wembley Way
19:53
Sound familiar?
From Sportsmail's
Matt Barlow at Wembley:
A Polish colleague tells me his nation is depressed about this failed WC campaign. The popular belief is that manager Waldemar Fornalik is doomed and the debate is whether he should be replaced by a foreign coach or a Polish coach. Meanwhile, others are convinced that this simply avoids the real problem and that without addressing development and coaching system as a whole Poland will be back in the same position in two years’ time. Sound familiar?
Meanwhile,
Neil Ashton is enjoying the occasion.
Love the atmosphere at Wembley on a big England night. Big crowd, big expectations. Marching band just walking on to the field to prepare for the national anthems.
19:47
From OptaJoe on Twitter
6 - Wayne Rooney has netted six goals in his last five World Cup qualifying appearances. Figurehead.
19:46
From Sportsmail's Laura Williamson at Wembley
Poland have at least 15,000 fans inside already, making plenty of noise and England have... the 'Launcherettes', a group of girls firing free scarves into the crowd. What's there to worry about?
Preparation: The England team warm-up for their must win clash
Support: England fans enjoy the atmosphere before the game at Wembley
Partisan: Poland fans wave scarfs from their seats at Wembley
19:42
Just over 15 minutes from kick-off at Wembley. Meanwhile at Portman Road, Ravel Morrison and Saido Berahino have scored again. Gareth Southgate's Under 21s lead Lithuania 5-0 in the closing stages.
19:33
First blood Poland
From Sportsmail's Matt Barlow at Wembley
England were more or less booed out onto the pitch for their warm-up. The Polish fans, already packing into their seats to the far left as the players run out of the tunnel, gave the home team a hostile welcome. It caught England fans napping somewhat. They were still shooting the breeze, waving their flags and listening to Sportsmail’s Martin Keown giving his verdict on the big screen. By the time they realised England were being jeered out they tried to respond with a little cheer but it was too late. Round one to the Poles who are limbering up for a raucous night of vociferous support if travelling to Wembley on the tube is anything to go by. Keown’s gone for a 2-0 home win by the way.
19:25
Lovely goal from Berahino makes it 3-0 to the Under 21s against Lithuania.
Meanwhile at Wembley things seem to be getting a bit heated.
Spark: Polish fans with flares outside Wembley
In trouble: A Polish football fan is arrested by police
Ready for action: James Milner and Phil Jagielka arrive at the stadium
19:15
Howzat!
It's a big game tonight and even England's top cricketers are tweeting about it.
Kevin Pietersen earlier tweeted:
'Imagine how easily ENG would win this eve if they had Ronaldo striking for them and Valdes in goal.. #boom #foreigners'
Andrew Flintoff, meanwhile, is sticking to his soaps.
He tweeted:
'Seriously? No Corrie tonight, surely 22 men chasing a ball should be on ITV4 #wrong.' After realising what day of the week it is, he later added
'Sorry forgot its Tuesday have to be EastEnders and Holby then!'
We know you'll be watching the football, Andrew.
19:08
Sportsmail's
Jeff Powell has noticed that things are somewhat quieter down at Marylebone Station.
Curiously subdued at Marylebone station and on train to Wembley. No Pole dancing but no 'Ingerlund' either.
Laura Williamson, meanwhile, is somewhat skeptical of England's marketing strategy.
I'm all for optimism and I'm confident England will win tonight, but I'm not sure adverts in the programme for packages for Brazil 2014 are the best idea (although they do offer a '100 per cent money back guarantee should England fail to qualify').
Stroll: England manager Roy Hodgson speaks to Gary Neville and Sir Trevor Brooking on the Wembley pitch
Reporting for duty: Chris Smalling and Danny Welbeck arrive at Wembley
18:59
Out in force
Attacking team for England tonight then with Rooney, Welbeck and Sturridge all starting.
Meanwhile, the large Polish gathering at Wembley has caught
Laurie Whitwell's attention.
The Poles are out in force, building up a healthy atmosphere outside the stadium.
Wembley Way is so full of Eastern European accents I would I would not be surprised if the numbers of away fans inside swelled to a much larger number than the 18,000 touted.
Lit up: Polish fans chant as they hold flares aloft outside Wembley
18:52
From OptaJoe
Not a good sign for England this...
4 - England have won only four of the last 15 games that Michael Carrick has started for them. Decision.
18:46
England's subs for tonight are:
Jones, Ruddy, Gibbs, Wilshere, Lampard, Milner, Barkley, Defoe, Sterling, Lambert, Forster
Here's the Polish starting line-up:
Szczesny, Celeban, Jedrzejczyk, Glik, Wojtkowiak, Krychowiak, M Lewandowski, Blaszczykowski, Mierzejewski, Sobota; R Lewandowski
18:40
TEAM NEWS
As revealed by Sportsmail, Michael Carrick will start for England tonight. Here's the full team.
Hart, Smalling, Baines, Cahill, Jagielka, Gerrard, Carrick, Townsend, Rooney, Welbeck, Sturridge.
18:42
From Sportsmail's Laura Williamson at Wembley
The Poland team just had a quick walkabout on the Wembley pitch but had to duck back inside quickly to allow the sprinklers to do their work. Roy Hodgson, Gary Neville and Sir Trevor Brooking have just been out to inspect the surface as well.
A coach accident on the North Circular road a mile from Wembley hasn't managed to deter the 18,000 Poland fans expected here tonight. The roads around the stadium are already awash with the red and white of the Polish flag, rather than the St George's cross. The away fans are already making plenty of racket, too.
18:38
There is a heavy Polish presence at Wembley tonight, but you'll be pleased to know there will be England fans in attendance.
Here are a few of them arriving at the stadium.
England U21s are now 2-0 up at Portman Road, James Ward-Prowse with the second goal.
Walk: Football fans make their way down Wembley Way from the tube station
18:25
Hospitable
Whatever happens to their team tonight, Polish fans can't accuse England for a lack of hopsitality.
Our snapper Andy Hooper has just seen this sign at Wembley written in Polish. There will be 18,000 Poles at Wembley tonight so it should be quite an atmosphere.
Second language: Signs at Wembley written in Polish for the large travelling contingent
18:17
Familiar ground
This night brings back memories of Croatia in 2007. Hopefully tonight won't end in tears as it did back then when Steve McLaren's men missed out on Euro 2008 after a 3-2 defeat at Wembley.
Should England lose tonight they will most likely finish second in Group H. Ukraine are currently one point behind England but expected to win in San Marino.
There are nine groups in the European qualifying section, but only the best eight second-placed teams will make the play-offs. If England do finish second in their group, they'll have to await other results around the continent tonight to see if they make the play-offs.
18:05
Michael Carrick is expected to start for England in midfield tonight alongside captain Steven Gerrard. We also wait to see who replaces the suspended Kyle Walker at right back with Manchester United's Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in the mix.
We sent our man Sami Mokbel on a scouting mission and the plan is very clear...
Stop Robert Lewandowski and Stop Poland.
The Dortmund striker is one of Europe's leading forwards and could quite easily take the game away from England if given half a chance in front of goal.
The Poles are playing for pride, but they have plenty of that - and plenty of support tonight with 18,000 fans in attendance. Here are some pictures of their fans at Wembley (already).
Ravel Morrison has just scored for the Under 21s in their game against Lithuania
Loud and proud: Polish football fans wave their scarves as they arrive at Wembley
......
17:55
Crunch time!
This has what it's come down to. Nine games over the last 13 months all over the continent and England's World Cup dreams rest on tonight.
A win for Roy Hodgson's men against Poland at Wembley will guarantee their place in Brazil next year as Group H winners. Anything less than that, however, and England face a potential play-off tie next month against another second-placed team, which as it stands includes France, Croatia, Portugal, Greece and Turkey.
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