England vs. Poland: Live Player Ratings and Analysis for Three Lions

England 2-0 Poland

Goals: Rooney (41'), Gerrard (86')

England beat Poland on Tuesday evening to book their place at next summer's World Cup. Here's how the players rated in each half at Wembley.

First-half analysis

Joe Hart: A spectator for Lewandowski’s near-miss, but otherwise assured in limited exposure to the ball.

Leighton Baines: England’s best attacker, providing a series a dangerous crosses—one of which Rooney finally put in the net. Led by example with his energy and workrate.

Gary Cahill: Initially appeared intimidated by Lewandowski, but grew in confidence as the half wore on.

Phil Jagielka: Similar to his partner, looked assured on the ball after initially inviting Lewandowski onto him a little too much.

Chris Smalling: An uncertain start characterised by a clumsy foul on Wotjkowiak in a dangerous position. But grew into half to be valuable support runner for Townsend

Steven Gerrard: A calming presence early on, but then seemed to sit deeper as his midfield partner grew into the more prominent member of the duo.

Michael Carrick: Hodgson’s surprise inclusion was usual metronomic passing self, ensuring England remained in control once they gained the upper hand.

Danny Welbeck: Better than Sturridge and Rooney in the initial stages, looking dangerous on the ball and trying to get team-mates involved.

Wayne Rooney: Uncharacteristically quiet for the first 30 minutes … before heading home the all-important first goal.

Andros Townsend: Picked up where he left off on Friday, running at the right-back with intent and end product. Unlikely not to score with a great curling effort that hit the bar.

Daniel Sturridge: Had a couple of half-chances to score, seeing Wojciech Szczesny up to the challenge of stopping them.

Full-time analysis

Joe Hart: Made one crucial save from Lewandowski, and dealt with a few other dangerous balls without looking completely composed. Still, no mistakes was the key.

Leighton Baines: Less of an attacking threat than in the first-half, perhaps instructed by Hodgson

Gary Cahill: Beaten by Lewandowski for one opportunity, but was otherwise clean in his defensive work.

Phil Jagielka: Became more and more vocal in marshalling his defence, making a series of important late interventions.

Chris Smalling: A solid, mistake-free second half from the Manchester United full-back.

Steven Gerrard: When every England player looked dead on their feet, Gerrard made one final lung-busting run and sealed his country’s place at the World Cup.

Michael Carrick: Withdrawn for Frank Lampard early in the second half, perhaps unfortunate considering he had easily been England’s best passer.

Danny Welbeck: Welbeck always gives everything for England, and tonight was no different. Was regularly spotted in his own box helping out at crucial junctures.

Wayne Rooney: More instrumental than in the first half, without the reward of a goal. Still, his play in the build-up to Gerrard’s clincher wwas similarly pivotal.

Andros Townsend: Tired badly towards the end, but remained diligent in defence when his side needed him to be.

Daniel Sturridge: Tested Szczesny with a few efforts, although all were denied. A constant threat to the opposition before being withdrawn for Jack Wilshere.