England have booked their place in next year's World Cup finals after beating Poland 2-0 in a crucial victory at Wembley tonight.

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England started strongly and Andros Townsend saw his powerful low effort saved by Wojciech Szczesny, before Waldemar Sobota wasted a great chance for the hosts when he fired wide when well placed.

Robert Lewandowski was next to threaten for the visitors but pulled his effort wide with just Joe Hart to beat.

Andros Townsend nearly gave England the lead midway through the half when he saw his fierce effort from long range come back off the bar, and from the rebound Daniel Sturridge saw his strike saved by the keeper.

Danny Welbeck should have scored soon after but fired his shot wide from close range following a corner.

England finally took the lead in the 41st minute through Wayne Rooney, who headed home Leighton Baines's cross from the left.

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The home side started the second half strongly and Gary Cahill was denied by Szczesny who saved his header following a corner.

Lewandowski had another great opportunity to score for the away side after getting in behind the England defence, but Hart rushed out quickly to stop him getting a clear effort on goal.

Rooney had a chance to score his second of the night from a curling strike but Szczesny was equal to his attempt, before the keeper did well to beat away a fierce shot from Sturridge.

England made the game safe two minutes from the end through Steven Gerrard, who burst through the Polish defence and finished well past Szczesny to seal England's spot at the World Cup finals in Brazil next summer.