England are through to the World Cup Finals next year after a goal in each half was sufficient to see off a spirited Poland team who made the home side fight all the way for their victory. England gradually asserted their authority as the first-half progressed and after a series of missed chances and fine stops from the Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny took the lead just before the break from Wayne Rooney who headed home Leighton Baines' cross.
The second period began in similar fashion but Poland began to create their own chances as the majority of the 85,000 crowd began to get anxious as the minutes ticked down.
But Three Lions skipper Steven Gerrard eased the tension with three minutes remaining as his sheer determination saw him drive into the penalty area and poke the ball over the Polish keeper sending England to Brazil.
