Poland 1-3 England

England demonstrated great character in Rybnik tonight to battle back from going a goal down inside six minutes to secure their second win in two European Under-21 Championship qualifying games.

Peter Taylor's side showed great resilience against an impressive Polish side and striker Carlton Cole once again did his best to steal the headlines by scoring his fourth goal in three games, while supersub Darren Bent took his tally to six in eight off the bench.

England were boosted before kick off by the return of Chelsea right back Glen Johnson from suspension and David Bentley after a calf problem, while James Milner replaced Stewart Downing on the left wing.

But the visitors couldn't have got off to a worse start after falling behind with five minutes on the clock.

Leeds keeper Scott Carson had almost conceded a goal after just 15 seconds when Pawel Broznak's cross almost beat him at the near post and he just fumbled it round for a corner.

But Broznak wasn't to be denied and he outpaced Calum Davenport a few minutes later before pulling the ball back for Marcin Burkhardt to fire home a fine goal.

Peter Taylor's side should have been level however within 120 seconds however, but Milner headed over Jermaine Pennant's cross from six yards.

Brozek continued to be a constant threat however, and a lovely one-two with strike partner Karol Gregorek put him through on goal only for Carson to just beat him to the ball and clear to safety.

England fans had reason to cheer when Bentley and Milner showed great skill on the left wing to beat a couple of defenders, but just when England appeared to be getting in control, Poland could have had a second.

This time it was Broznan's twin brother Piotr nearly causing the damage. He went on a brilliant mazy run before cutting into the area and unleashing a curling shot which appeared to be heading for the top corner only for Davenport's face to deflect it out for a corner.

From the resulting kick Piotr swung in a great corner which brother Pawel could only get a slight touch to with his head when he was unmarked at the near post.

To make matters worse for England, Anton Ferdinand was forced to come off with a suspected ankle injury after being fouled by Gregorek.

Taylor looked like he would have to work some magic at half time, but Cole ensured he saw some on the pitch instead. The 20-year-old once again showed supreme control in the area to control Bentley's cross on his chest and just like he did against Austria, he scored with a great right foot shot.

To everyone's amazement Polish defender Dariusz Dudka was then shown a yellow and then a straight red card by referee Duarte Gomes for dissent and suddenly the mood had completely changed.

The second half was a stroll for England although Gomes helped the cause by awarding a soft penalty after Piotr Brozek's challenge on Pennant on 71 minutes. Bent had come on by that stage and tucked away the spot kick with aplomb.

There was still time for the two goalscoring heroes from this trip to combine and get a third. Cole's neat skill gave him time to find Bent in the area and get his second.

England now sit top of the group and look on course for making the Championships in two years time.

Poland: Cierzniak; Dudka, Lukasiewicz, Kucharski, Fanfara; Peszko (sub 45, Kikut), Rzezniczak (sub Klatt, 83), Burkhardt, Brozek Piotr(sub 74, Szalachowski); Brozek Pawell, Gregorek.
Subs not used: Krakowiak, Wojciechowski, Kwiek, Zganiacz.

Goals: Burkhardt 6

England: Carson; Johnson, Ferdinand (sub 38, Kilgallon), Davenport, Baines (sub 83, Hoyte); Pennant, O'Neil, Bentley (sub 64, Bent), Milner; Bentley, Cole.
Subs not used: Lonergan, Welsh, Whittingham, Stead.

Goals: Cole 45, Bent 72 (p), Bent 83

Referee: Duarte Nuno Pereira Gomes (Portugal)