12 October 2005
Sven-Goran Eriksson post-match

England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was pleased with his team's 2-1 victory over Poland at Old Trafford.


England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was delighted after England cruised to the top of their World Cup qualifying group with a comfortable 2-1 win over Poland at Old Trafford.

Michael Owen opened the scoring in the 43rd minute when he flicked home Joe Cole's cross to equal Gary Lineker's record of 22 competitive goals for the Three Lions.

Poland hit back just minutes later to send the teams in level at the break when first half substitute Tomasz Frankowski hit home from close range.

Frank Lampard got a deserved winner with just ten minutes left on the clock when Owen turned provider and the Chelsea man volleyed home from eight yards.

"The performance today was very good," said Sven, "it was a little bit easier to play the ball today.

"Austria defended with nine players and were physically very strong, but Poland came and tried to play and win the game as well, so it was more open.

"I am very pleased with the lads." beamed Eriksson. "We have won the group and we have scored a lot of goals.

"When we play like this then there are very few teams that can cope with us. This was excellent."

After defeats in two of England's first three games this season, Sven was happy to see his team pick up maximum points from their final group games to give the players confidence and the fans a reason to cheer.

"I think we did two very good jobs, one Saturday and one today, the spirit was good. I'm very, very happy for the fans.

Sven added: "They travelled to Denmark, they travelled to Northern Ireland and I know they were as disappointed as we were, but here we are after two very good performances."

Now Sven is turning his attention away from the qualifiers and towards preparations for next summer's World Cup finals.

"We qualified on Saturday, we won our group today and playing better and better.

"I'm looking forward to the game in November against Argentina, who are one of the countries who could win the World Cup.

"But," he said, "what I'm really look forward to is 9 June in Germany."