England responded to their disappointing draw in Austria in fine style to get a fabulous three points and now have a healthy four points from their opening two matches.

Eriksson said: "After Saturday's performance, we were very criticised as individuals and as a team. Whether that was fair or not fair is up to other people to say. But the only thing you can do against criticism is to play good football and to win."

On a night where the team had to deliver, many players put in superb performances but one man stole the limelight - Jermain Defoe.

The Tottenham striker has had to be patient for his first start, but one would never have thought it was his first start in an England shirt on this display.

England may have needed an own goal from Arkadiusz Glowacki to win the game after Maciej Zurawski had levelled just after half-time, but Defoe's goal was worthy of winning any game and will linger long in the memory.

It will undoubtedly also not be forgotten by Eriksson, who was full of praise for the 21-year-old striker.

He added: "Jermain Defoe impressed me with his contribution to the game. He's been very sharp in training, especially this week.

"He's very hungry. He's a big, big talent and he always scores goals. Playing him alongside Michael Owen, there is no classic English centre-forward, but they played well together. Excellent.

"It couldn't have been much better for his debut. He played very well and created chances. He is a great talent, not only that but a great player and he will score goals."

But most of all Eriksson and his hard working players showed that they can learn from their mistakes. Much was made of the fact England had failed to win three of the last five games despite having taken the lead.

England did let their first half lead slip away, but had the strength of character and belief to restore their advantage and this time see the game out in relative comfort.

Eriksson revealed: "We tried to talk about it and we looked at videos and of course I think they learned. They fought for 90 minutes.

"We deserved to win as we deserved to win on Saturday. In fact, at times I thought we controlled the game better against Austria, but football is crazy like that sometimes.

"After two away games, we now have four points and we are top of the table with Austria so we can't complain at all."

Sometimes the view from the opposition can sum up the situation better than most. Poland coach Pawel Janas admitted: "My team played well and put in a lot of effort, but we were up against one of the best sides in the world."