MX23RW : Wednesday, December 18 21:42:50| >> :600:296643:296643:

The big talking points ahead of England's clash with Poland

The big talking points ahead of England's clash with Poland
© Reuters
Gareth Southgate's team have made a good start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

England host Poland in a World Cup qualification clash at Wembley on Wednesday night.

Gareth Southgate has seen his side win their opening two Group I fixtures and will be keen to sign off from the March international break with a hat-trick of victories.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the key talking points ahead of the game.

Last chance to make a case for Euros

Wednesday's match is the last time England will play before Southgate names his squad for the rescheduled European Championship finals.

There are several positions still up for grabs and those players not yet assured of a place in Southgate's final selection will be keen to catch the eye.

With almost three months to go until a ball is kicked at Euro 2020, even those who may be on the fringes of Southgate's thinking will want to go out with a bang – as injuries and issues are likely to hit before the summer.

Who is in Pole position to replace Lewandowski?

Robert Lewandowski File Photos
Robert Lewandowski will not be playing at Wembley on Wednesday (Adam Davy/PA)

Poland will be looking for their first win over England since 1973 – but will be without captain and all-time leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowski.

The Bayern Munich striker was forced to pull out of the game with a knee injury, having scored three goals in Poland's opening two Group I games.

In the absence of their talisman, the onus for goals in the Poland side will fall on his strike partner Arkadiusz Milik – who has scored 15 times in 58 caps but has found the back of the net just once in his last nine international appearances.

Pope praying for another quiet night

England v San Marino – FIFA World Cup 2022 – European Qualifying – Group I – Wembley Stadium
Another clean sheet would suit Nick Pope (Adrian Dennis/PA)

Nick Pope became the first England goalkeeper to keep six clean sheets in his first six appearances as the Three Lions won 2-0 in Albania on Sunday.

The Burnley goalkeeper has been told he will start again against Poland as, with Jordan Pickford injured, he is given a chance to stake his claim for the number one spot.

The absence of Lewandowski should help him in his quest to enjoy a seventh straight shut-out, but he may expect to be busier than previously – having only faced seven shots on target across his previous six caps.

Three and easy at the back for England?

England v San Marino – FIFA World Cup 2022 – European Qualifying – Group I – Wembley Stadium
Conor Coady is an option at the back for England (Adam Davy/PA)

Southgate has operated with a back four in the first two World Cup qualifiers but has always said his side are equally capable of going in with a three-man defence.

As the Poland fixture is the most difficult of the three March internationals, whatever approach Southgate opts for on Wednesday could be seen as his preferred system heading into the Euros.

He certainly has enough options to move to a three, with Conor Coady adept in that system and Kyle Walker having played on the right of a defensive trio at the World Cup.

Mason able to keeping Mounting his case

Mason Mount File Photo
Mason Mount scored against Albania (Florian Abazaj/PA)

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has started England's last seven games as he continues to impress at international level.

Southgate is a keen fan despite there being criticism of Mount's continued inclusion in the starting line-up – but the 22-year-old is available for the Poland game after an initial fitness worry on Tuesday morning.

"He didn't warm up with the rest of the team but did the session after so he should be fine," Southgate said.

ID:441224: cacheID:441224:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:10721:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
England manager Gareth Southgate pictured on March 25, 2021
Read Next:
A closer look at England's previous matches with Poland
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!