Story highlights
Poland and England finish level at 1-1 in World Cup qualifying clash
Wayne Rooney's first-half strike gave visitors lead against run of play
Kamil Glick headed equalizer for Poland in the second-half
England sit one point clear at the top of Group H having played a game more than Montenegro
England’s FIFA World Cup hopes suffered a setback after it squandered the advantage to finish level at 1-1 with Poland in Warsaw.
Wayne Rooney’s 31st minute strike gave the visitors the lead against the run of play before Kamil Glik headed Poland level in the second-half.
It was no less than Poland deserved after it dominated the rearranged fixture.
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With Tuesday’s original match postponed because of a waterlogged pitch at the newly-constructed $650million stadium, the contest was in danger of being overshadowed by Polish officials’ refusal to use the retractable roof.
But those worries were soon washed away as Poland produced a performance full of energy and enthusiasm, which nearly resulted in three points.
Only some desperate defending by Glen Johnson prevented the home side taking the lead as England continued to look vulnerable.
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But with the home side firmly on top, England struck with the first real effort on the Polish goal as Rooney diverted Steven Gerrard’s corner into the net with his shoulder.
While Poland dominated possession, England created the better chances with Rooney and Jermain Defoe both failing to hit the target.
And the visitors were punished with 19 minutes remaining when Glik beat England goalkeeper Joe Hart to the ball and nodded Ludovic Obraniak’s corner into the empty net.
The result leaves England a point clear at the top of Group H having played a game more than nearest rival Montenegro.
Poland sits three points behind England but have a game in hand over Roy Hodgson’s side.
