England 2-0 Poland: Rooney & Gerrard Send England To Brazil

by Crip Cooke

Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard both got on the score sheet against a spirited Poland side as England booked their place in next summer's World Cup. The visitors playing on the counter attack had many chances to go ahead in the first half, but missed good goalscoring opportunities. Robert Lewandowski may feel he should have put Poland ahead after a swift break from an England corner saw the Dortmund striker through on goal against 'keeper Joe Hart, however Lewandowski fired wide from inside the area. Andros Townsend was lively in midfield for England, and struck the bar with a long range strike. Danny Welbeck missed from six yards after lashing a shot wide. As England grew into the game, they stepped up their pressure and were eventually rewarded for their efforts. Rooney settled the nerves after scoring from a Leighton Baines cross to put England 1-0 up just minutes before half-time. After the break, it was Poland who started sharply, and the side had numerous opportunities to level the scoring. The game descended into an end-to-end affair as both sides pushed for a decisive goal. However, the hosts put the game beyond doubt late on as England captain Steven Gerrard found his way into the box to poke his shot past the hapless 'keeper to seal a 2-0 victory for the Three Lions.

Contributor
Contributor

Crippy Cooke, 23, is a freelance Football Writer contributing to What Culture. He's had work featured on Zoo, MSN, London 24, The Telegraph, The Huffington Post, and was recently named Writer of the Year on FTBpro - while also a nominee for Best Male Blog in the Football Blogging Awards.