England completed their qualifying programme with an exciting 2-1 win over Poland at Old Trafford last night. With both teams already safely through to Germany 2006, the game was all about which team won the group and in the end, it was England who took the prize.

In a free-flowing match, England struck first through Michael Owen, scoring his 33rd international goal but Poland hit back almost immediately, justifying their status as Group leaders. It looked like honours would be even until Frank Lampard crashed home a terrific volley in front of the Stretford end to secure the win and send the England fans home happy. -13 October 2005