Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard scored to send England to the World Cup finals with a 2-0 victory over Poland on Tuesday that gave them top spot in qualifying Group H on a thrilling and nervy night at Wembley.
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Rooney's 41st-minute breakthrough was brilliantly created and executed after a patient England build- up gathered pace when Leighton Baines crossed for the Manchester United striker, who nodded the ball down and wide of keeper Wojciech Szczesny.
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The match was played on a knife-edge as anything other than a win would have consigned England to a potentially difficult two-legged playoff tie, with group rivals Ukraine cruising to an easy win over San Marino.
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But midfielder Gerrard sparked English celebrations when he put the outcome beyond doubt in the 88th minute, cutting inside, bursting into the area and poking the ball past Szczesny.
Wayne Rooney has been a great stricker for England over the years so he deserves a lot of thanks from the fans and coach. He scores well
Wayne Rooney is the kind of player u depend on when goals are very hard to find.
He is a quality stricker