This Group 6 encounter at a wet Old Trafford saw both teams secure in their places at the top of the group, with Poland leading England by two points. A win for England would take them top of the group, which, together with a win against Argentina in their expected friendly, could affect FIFA's ranking of them later this year.

England started with the return of Rooney, but the loss of Captain Beckham, Michael Owen taking that responsibility. England dominated possession in the first half with good passing and use of space. Poland were unable to keep possession for long, and a solid England defence was refusing them any chances when they tried to get close.

England were clearly in dominance, and although it was looking like being a goalless first half, with Poland's defence having done well not to concede, Shaun Wright-Phillips forced England's 6th corner in the 42nd minute.

Taken by Frank Lampard, who was replacing Beckham for that duty, Owen scored from a good half-volley from Cole. This was Owen’s 22nd goal for England, equalling Gary Lineker's record.

Poland quickly stopped England's celebrations with Frankowski equalising halfway through the 1 minute of extra time with a stunning volley, from a header that found him unmarked at the back-post. 1-1 at half time.

The 2nd half saw Poland pushing harder into England's defence, but scrambling to get back when England broke on them. England continued playing with growing confidence, and the whole team worked well together creating space and opportunities.

The crowd were disappointed to see Shaun Wright-Phillips swapped for Peter Crouch in the 66th minute. Sobolewski was yellow carded for a foul on Lampard in the 72nd minute, only to be substituted in the 78th after Poland won a free-kick from Carragher in England's corner.

Frankowski's chance was turned into another England break, with Rooney, Cole and Owen setting up Lampard for a great team goal in the 80th, his 10th for England.
Owen was substituted for Jermaine Jenas in the 82nd minute, with Terry taking over as Captain; and Alan Smith replacing Cole in the 86th.

England's confidence continued to come out, despite Poland working hard to make chances, and although there was one scramble in England's goalmouth England's defences didn't seem pushed.

The match ended 2-1 to England putting them 1 point above Poland and top of Group 6, but far more importantly, with a much better performance than recently.

Submitted by Alex Oldfield

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