Roy Hodgson wary of wounded Poland
England manager warns his players against complacency after 4-1 win over Montenegro as they seek to seal World Cup qualification on Tuesday
Manager Roy Hodgson warned England not to take Poland lightly in their final World Cup qualifier next week after they took another stride towards Brazil with a 4-1 win over Montenegro.
Debutant Andros Townsend was England’s match-winner at Wembley Stadium on Friday, helping to create Wayne Rooney’s 48th-minute opener before killing off Montenegrin hopes of a comeback with a fine late strike.
The victory preserved England’s lead at the top of European qualifying group H and means they can secure a berth at next year’s tournament in Brazil if they overcome Poland at Wembley on Tuesday.
Poland’s 1-0 defeat by Ukraine in Kharkiv means that they can no longer qualify for the World Cup, but Hodgson told his players not to expect an easy ride on Tuesday.
“I watched them. In the first half they played very well against Ukraine. They had the best goal-scoring opportunities,” he said. “If they play as well against us on Tuesday as they did against Ukraine in the first half, it will be a tough game.
“But I always back the players. I trust them. We are still unbeaten in this qualifying group. We are capable of going unbeaten in the 10th one [game] and with the backing we got from the fans and playing at Wembley, I have got to back them. I would be foolish not to.”