POLAND V ENGLAND: MATCH LIBRARY
POLAND

Zurawski 48'
ENGLAND

Defoe 37', Glowacki (og) 58'
Michael Owen sees Arkadiusz Glowacki score an own goal to give England victory in Chorzow.
Player by Player
By James Wright. Thursday, 09 September 2004.
England claimed their first win on the road to Germany 2006 after beating Poland 2-1 in Chorzow. Here we take a look at how the players performed.
Paul Robinson
In truth the Tottenham ‘keeper didn’t have too much to do as England dictated the pattern of the play for much of the match. The only shots from Poland tended to be blocked and when called upon, usually handled the ball well.
Gary Neville
England's hugely experienced right-back limped off injured after little over half an hour.
Ashley Cole
The Arsenal left-back often says he doesn’t reproduce his club form for England but he disproved that theory with some great performances in Portugal and again he was in top gear here, dovetailing effectively with Wayne Bridge and it was it the Arsenal man who supplied the cross for England's second goal.
John Terry
It may well be a sign of Terry's ability that he just calmly goes about his work and never seems to flustered. Played well at the back with the less experienced Ledley King.
Ledley King
Another important match for King, getting in more valuable international experience. Looked assured at the back and was comfortable playing against the Polish strikers. Now looks to be a true international quality defender.
Steven Gerrard
Link play was excellent and his passing out to the flanks as exemplary as ever.
Frank Lampard
Lampard’s energy in midfield is a highly valuable asset and his industry was key to England’s forward play as well as proving to be vital in covering the defence. Could have had a shot towards the end of the match but in the end was unselfish in trying to tee up a colleague in a better position.
David Beckham
Had a couple of great efforts at Dudek's goal, one of which was deflected narrowly wide. His delivery from corners and free-kicks was good and as usual he put in a lot of hard work for the benefit of the team.
Wayne Bridge
Were it not for the form of Jermain Defoe, Bridge would quite possibly have been England's best player on the night - his link up play with Cole was excellent and Bridge seemed to have endless energy as he stormed up and down England's left flank, often receiving the ball as the furthest player forward. Nearly scored but his shot was well saved by Dudek.
Jermain Defoe
Will rightly be considered as England's man of the match. Scored on his full debut with a delightfully taken goal and was involved in creating chances for others. Should be delighted with his performance.
Michael Owen
Very nearly scored with a snap-shot from long range just after England had regained the lead. Forced the error from Glowacki that put England 2-1 up.
Substitutes
Jamie Carragher
Some really good stuff from Carragher who looked very comfortable in possession and passed the ball around with style.
Kieron Dyer
Dyer came on for Defoe and looked lively in attack. Was useful as an outlet further up the pitch as England looked to move up the park late in the game.
Owen Hargreaves
Came on for the captain in the final minute and didn't really have enough time to influence the game.
PLAYER BY PLAYER
09 September 2004