Wayne Rooney Helps England Qualify To The World Cup Finals

Wayne Rooney scored the all-important opener as England defeated Poland 2-0 at Wembley to clinch a place in next year's World Cup finals.

 

Steven Gerrard added a late second to ease the nerves as Roy Hodgson's team went through the qualification group unbeaten but there were some tense moments in front of a noisy crowd. Chris Smalling, one of four United starters, was unable to reach a Gerrard free-kick and he and Danny Welbeck were involved in the build-up that led to Andros Townsend hitting the bar.

Welbeck prodded wide of an inviting target and Rooney forced a save out of Wojciech Szczesny before a precious goal duly arrived four minutes before the break. Michael Carrick fed Leighton Baines on the left and, although his fine cross was over Welbeck, Rooney guided a perfect headed finish into the corner of the net.

Robert Lewandowski had chances for Poland but only a spectacular save by Szczesny denied man-of-the-match Rooney a second. After Carrick was surprisingly withdrawn for Frank Lampard, Rooney was booked as the pressure began to build. However, captain Gerrard ran through in the closing stages to prod past Szczesny and seal a hard-earned triumph. 

"We knew it was going to be a tough game," Rooney told ITV. "But we played some great stuff and getting the goal in the first half gave us the belief and confidence that we could go on to win the game. Thankfully, Stevie's got the second goal to see us qualify. "We've always remained positive no matter what has been said. We've shown we're a good team and we're looking forward to a few friendlies before the tournament but we're excited."

Elsewhere, Nani captained Portugal in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence and celebrated with a stunning first-half strike with his left foot following a fine move. Portugal ran out 3-0 victors against 10-man Luxembourg but have to settle for a play-off place with Russia winning Group F.