England's matchwinner Harry Maguire hailed his teammates for securing a "big win" over Poland as they took their first steps on the road to the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
The Three Lions defender smashed home a late goal to seal the 2-1 victory at Wembley, making it three wins from three games in March's international window.
Harry Kane had earlier given England a first-half lead from the penalty spot before Poland drew level via Jakub Moder following a defensive lapse from his partner John Stones, who later provided the assist for the winner.
"It’s a big win, we’re playing to play at a World Cup," said the Manchester United man.
"We started the game well but in the second half we didn’t start well at all.
"The first 15 or 20 minutes [of the second half], they were the better team. They put us under pressure, changed their shape a little bit and it took us a little bit [of time] to get used to.
"We took control when they equalised and it’s nice to get the victory.
"It gives us nine points after three games in a short space of time and we have a lot of players injured as well, so it’s an important win."
Maguire was also supportive of his fellow Yorkshireman Stones, who was back in the Three Lions squad for the first time this season and also featured in all three of March's games.
"We’re defenders, we make mistakes and when we make mistakes we get scrutinised," he added.
"He’s had a brilliant year, a great camp – it’s one mistake and he makes up for it with a great header at the back post.
"I said to him ‘keep going and we’ll get the win’ and we managed to do that.
“Obviously we don’t like making mistakes but sometimes we are at fault for goals. We’re not perfect.
"John has made a little blip tonight but he’ll come back strong. He’s in great form for club, great form for country and he’s been brilliant over this camp apart from that little mistake he’s made – one I’m sure he won’t make again soon.
"It was a big performance for him to come back strong and show a reaction and for him to get the assist is important for the team.”
