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England welcomes Poland in a decisive match for the Three Lions. The home side needs a win to book the first place in group H and the tickets for the World Cup, having just one point over Ukraine, which plays against San Marino.
England enters this match on the back of an impressive 4-1 win against Montenegro on Friday and the hosts look to be in great form, previously drawing in Ukraine and beating Moldova 4-0 in September. Rooney`s return to form surely has a lot to do with England`s success. The hosts absolutely need a win today, since it`s almost impossible for Ukraine to drop points against San Marino. Anything else than 3 points will send England in the playoffs, something they are surely desperate to avoid.
Poland lost to Ukraine on friday and forfeited any chance of getting a playoff spot, so the visitors will only play for pride here at Wembley. The Poles have a decent side but they are lacking the quality to challenge the top sides, especially on the road. England have been horrible themselves away from home but they were still very close to get a win in Poland earlier in the group.
Team news & lineups
Johnson, Walker and Cole are unavailable for England. Szukala, Wszolek and Piszczek will miss out for Poland, while Klich is questionable.
England: Hart – Jones, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines – Gerrard, Lampard (Wilshere), Townsend, Welbeck – Sturridge, Rooney
Poland: Boruc – Wojtkowiak, Jedrzejczyk, Szukala, Glik – M Lewandowski, Blaszczykowski, Klich, Sobota, Krychowiak – R Lewandowski
England had excellent periods of play against Montenegro and if they put on the same display in this one, they should run away with the game. The visitors have some quality in attack especially with Lewandowski leading the line, but England looks solid at the back and they should be able to keep a clean sheet. Even if they concede, they have what it takes to score 3 goals, they`ll field an offensive lineup led by the in-form trio of Wellbeck, Sturridge and Rooney up front. Difference in class, form and motivation, as well as home court advantage, should be enough arguments for the Three Lions to book their place in the World Cup with a solid win at Wembley. My pick is England – Poland 2-0 or 3-1.
Pick: England (-1,5)
Odds: 1.80 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 5.60
Event date: 15 October
Editor Facts
- Rostick is 12 for 17 in October
