Rooney and Gerrard scored the vital goals.
England booked their place in next summer’s World Cup in Brazil after a 2-0 victory over Poland at Wembley last night.
In the dugout sat Croydon’s very own Roy Hodgson, beside his assistant manager, Lambeth man Ray Lewington.
The anxiety levels at Wembley went through the roof as close to 20,000 Polish fans created an atmosphere usually saved for derby matches – but in the end, through Wayne Rooney and skipper Steven Gerrard, the Three Lions did the business.
“I’m delighted for the players,” said Hodgson.
“The Brazil experience will be fantastic and there will be pressure to go with it, but this is a team which is growing along the way.
“I’m going to enjoy the moment. We’ve worked hard and the World Cup finals are the reward.”
Hodgson, 66, suggested he feared the worst at times, claiming he died a thousand deaths every time Poland crossed the halfway line.
Rooney, becoming England’s greatest ever World Cup goalscorer, opened the scoring for Hodgson’s side just before half time with a deft header from Leighton Baines’ delivery.
It relieved the pressure before the break after a tense period of open football, the complete opposite style of which the former West Brom manager has been criticised for throughout the last few months.
As hands were on hearts, the captain, making his 108th international appearance, punctured the atmosphere, allowing the 60,000 English supporters at Wembley and all those watching on around the country to relax.
The attention can now be turned towards speculation as to how Roy’s men will perform when they get to the samba nation.
“You always have a chance,” he said.
“If you want to win the lottery, buy a ticket. We have a ticket.”
The draw for the 2014 World Cup takes place on December 6 and will be held at Costa do Sauipe Resort, in Bahia, Brazil.
Photo courtesy of Beacon Radio, with thanks.
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