Wembley Stadium was the place where Poland received a visit from Poland in a World Cup Qualifier. We have tonight’s player ratings.
The England National Team had a complicated match tonight against Poland in the last World Cup Qualifier of this international break. After suffering Robert Lewandowski’s loss to injury last weekend, the Polish squad lost more than half of their offensive capacity. Gareth Southgate knew he had to seize this opportunity and defeat Poland at home at all costs. Despite not having their best player, this Polish side was still hard as a rock on the defense.
Although England managed to get a penalty after Raheem Sterling was taken down inside the box during the first half. Harry Kane stepped up to take the shot and scored with a potent finish down the middle. The game went to half time with the Three Lions leading the score 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. But there was an unpleasant surprise waiting for them after the break.
Stones goes from zero to hero in minutes.
John Stones has proved repeatedly that he has an incredible capacity to get himself back up from the ground. At Manchester City, he got back to Pep Guardiola’s good graces after becoming one of the biggest flops at the club upon arrival. Today, he proved that resilience in a matter of minutes. In the second half, he made a ghastly defensive mistake that cost England the equalizer.
It didn’t take him long to let his teammates know he was determined to mend his mistake during a set-piece. With five minutes left on the clock, he assisted Harry Maguire for the winner with a header during a corner-kick. For his capacity to overcome adversity, Stones became our man of the match tonight. Certainly, Poland sorely missed Robert Lewandowski’s goals as well.
Player ratings
England: Pope (6), Walker (6), Maguire (7), Stones (8), Chilwell (6), Mount (7), Phillips (6), Rice (7), Foden (7), Kane (7), Sterling (7).
Bench: James (6), Calvert-Lewin (6), Lingard (6), Hazard (6).
Poland: Szczęsny (5), Rybus (5), Glik (6), Bereszyński (6), Bednarek (6), Helik (6), Krychowiak (5), Zielinski (6), Moder (7), Piatek (5), Swiderski (5).
Bench: Milik (6), Jozwiak (6), Augustyniak (5), Grosicky (5), Reca (5).
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