ENGLAND have beaten Poland after a late strike from Harry Maguire.
Raheem Sterling was brought down in the box in the 18th minute, leaving the Harry Kane to open the scoring from the penalty spot.
But a dreadful error from John Stones in possession allowed Poland’s Jakub Moder to equalise.
Stones, however, atoned for his mistake by heading across the goal for Harry Maguire to half volley home.
THAT’s ALL FOR TONIGHT
England get off to the perfect start in their World Cup qualification, winning all three of their opening games.
The next time Southgate names his squad, it’ll be the team that will compete in this summers Euros.
Big decisions to be made…. but for now, it’s back to league football and hoping no first teamers get injured!
Goodnight!
MAGIC MAGUIRE
TWO assists for John Stones, then – one for Poland’s equaliser and one for England’s winner.
Gareth Southgate had regarded Stones’ resurgence at Manchester City as a game-changer, allowing him to rip up his unpopular back five and pair him with Man United captain Harry Maguire in a flat back four.
Read More: England 2 Poland 1 Match Report
POST-MATCH CONFERENCE
Tune into Harry Maguire’s post-match press conference!
SOUTHGATE SPEAKS
England boss Gareth Southgate gave his assessment to ITV: “We were very good in the first half and in control of the game.
“Obviously to concede a goal like we did can hit the team, but they stuck at it, recovered their composure, and it was an important set-play winner.”
On Stones, he said: “John Stones has managed to compose himself for the rest of the game and had a part in the winning goal.
“You can fold in those moments and he didn’t. He’s been having a really good season.
“Everybody’s got a lot to play for, for the Euros. We did a lot of good things this week but there is still a step to go.
“Fatigue was starting to tell but the players stuck at it and they deserved the win.”
MATCH WINNER MAGUIRE
Match winner Harry Maguire spoke to ITV after the game: “Of course it’s a big win.
“We’re playing to play at a World Cup. We started the game well but in the second half didn’t start well at all. The first 15-20 minutes they were the better team and put us under pressure.
“It’s nice to get the victory, nine points after a tough camp, three games in a short space of time, and we’ve got a lot of players injured as well. John Stones has been brilliant this year.
“We’re defenders and when we make mistakes we are scrutinised.
“He made up for it with a great header at the far post. Defenders make mistakes.
“We’re not perfect! John has made a little blip tonight but he’ll come back strong.”
FULL-TIME STATS
England dominated the game and came out with all three points thanks to Maguire’s late winner.
Poland barely touched England’s penalty are but found themselves level thanks to a John Stones mistake.
But Stones’ blushes were spared by centre-back partner Maguire.
FT: ENGLAND 2-1 POLAND
England started the second half slow and Poland made them pay.
Stones was caught sleeping on the edge of his own penalty area, Milik slipped the ball through on goal and Brighton midfielder Moder fired past Pope.
Poland continued to push and looked the better team, but couldn’t find the breakthrough.
If Lewandowski was playing, they would have been more ruthless.
England were spared the embarrassment right at the death when Maguire fired Stones’ knockdown into the back of the net.
Three wins from three in the international break for England and they’re top of their World Cup qualifying group.
PEEEEEEEP!
THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE GOES AT WEMBLEY!
ENGLAND HAVE BEATEN POLAND!
ENGLAND 2-1 POLAND
90+3. Augustyniak volleys towards goal after being found with a long throw, but his effort comfortably clears the crossbar.
ENGLAND 2-1 POLAND
90+1. Lingard holds the ball in the corner flag before knocking it off a Polish defender and behind for a corner.
The same tactics are applied as the corner is taken short.
Calvert-Lewin this time wins another corner – the pair are looking to see the game out.
ENGLAND 2-1 POLAND
90. Four additional minutes to be played.
ENGLAND 2-1 POLAND
88. SUBSTITUTION!
England make a double change, Calvert-Lewin and Lingard are on for Sterling and Kane.
Maguire’s thunderbolt of a strike avoided three or four Polish players before hitting the back of the net Stones congratulates MaguireCredit: Getty Images ENGLAND 2-1 POLAND
86. SUBSTITUTION!
Both teams are making some changes in the final minutes.
Grosicki is on for Poland and he is replacing Piatek.
And for England, James is on for Foden and England switch to a back three.
ENGLAND 2-1 POLAND
85. Foden delivers an England corner towards the far post and Stones climbs highest to meet it.
He knocks the ball down towards his centre-back partner Maguire and the Man Utd captain thumps the ball home!
England regain the lead and Stones makes up for his earlier calamitous error by providing the assist!
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!
MAGUIRE SCORES FOR ENGLAND!!!
ENGLAND REGAIN THE LEAD!!!
ENGLAND 1-1 POLAND
83. England are playing far too slow and Southgate is yet to make a change and inject some fresh legs into the game.
It worked a treat for Poland!
ENGLAND 1-1 POLAND
82. Still no changes from Southgate.
ENGLAND 1-1 POLAND
80. Ten minutes left at the end of the second half and it’s all square.
Credit: Getty Images ENGLAND 1-1 POLAND
78. Foden spreads play out wide to Sterling on the left-hand side.
Sterling spots the run of Mount on the overlap and plays the ball down the line.
Mount delivers a cross towards the near post but his effort bounces off Glik’s chest and behind for a corner.
ENGLAND 1-1 POLAND
76. Phillips delivers a free-kick towards Poland’s far post and Maguire gets on the end of it.
Maguire heads the ball back across goal but Szczesny gathers.
ENGLAND 1-1 POLAND
75. SUBSTITUTION!
Piatek is off for Augustyniak.
ENGLAND 1-1 POLAND
74. Foden’s tenacious running wins England a free-kick in a promising position on the edge of Poland’s penalty area.
The Man City man steps up himself and fires his effort straight into the wall.
Poland look to break but Rice and Maguire bring an end to the counter attack.
EQUALISER
Poland capitalised on Stones’ mistake and Moder fired home the equaliser.
Credit: Getty Images ENGLAND 1-1 POLAND
71. Just under 20 minutes for either side to find a winner.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
