Rooney and Gerrard score crucial goals to send England to the World Cup…
Joe Hart – 7
The much maligned stopper was solid, and dealt with everything the Poles threw at him.
Chris Smalling – 6
The United man has barely played all season, and had a nervy first-half when his teammates were on brilliant form. Improved in the second though, and didn’t let his country down.
Leighton Baines – 8
Surely Baines should be England’s first-choice left-back ahead of Ashley Cole now…? Provided a sumptuous cross for Rooney’s opener, and was a constant menace down the left flank.
Phil Jagielka – 7
As solid as ever, and his partnership with Cahill is quickly becoming a cornerstone of Roy Hodgson’s side.
Gary Cahill – 7
As good as his defensive partner, Cahill made regular interceptions and was barely ever troubled in the air.
Michael Carrick – 7 (Lampard – 5)
Did his job in midfield, and ticked over play in the middle of the park as he normally does. Was replaced by Lampard late on, who was relatively ineffectual.
Steven Gerrard – 8
Excellent captains performance from the skipper. Was bizarrely criticised by Terry Butcher in the pre-game amble, and Gerrard made him look pretty stupid with a mature, inspirational performance. Capped it with a typical hustling goal late on.
Danny Welbeck – 6
Had more chances than any other England player, and could have put Poland to bed much earlier on if he was slightly more clinical. Linked up well with the ultra-impressive Wayne Rooney though.
Andros Townsend – 8 (James Milner – N/A)
Picked up this match exactly where he left the last. His direct running stretched the Pole on repeated occasions, in the first-half especially, and rightly deserved his standing ovation when he was subbed off late on.
Wayne Rooney – 9
A brilliant no.10’s performance. Rooney bagged the crucial opener and controlled the tempo of the game in the pocket behind Sturridge for England. Outstanding.
Daniel Sturridge – 6 (Jack Wilshere – N/A)
The striker has unbelievably good feet, and showed this throughout his 80 minute performance. Unfortunately, he couldn’t quite get the ball out of his feet when presented with a guilt edged chance.
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