Skip to content

Key battles

A look at the vital one-on-one contests that need to be won when England travel to Poland for their World Cup qualifier in Group H on Tuesday.

A look at the vital one-on-one contests that need to be won when England play Poland on Wednesday.

England once again meet Poland on Wednesday knowing victory in Warsaw will mark a significant step forward in their attempts to reach the next World Cup in Brazil. The Poles have made a steady start to their own qualifying campaign, drawing in Montenegro and beating Moldova. But this is one they will be desperate to win. Here, we look at the key battles that may determine the outcome.
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI V JOLEON LESCOTT
Lewandowski is undoubtedly Poland's danger man and - as Lescott did not even make the Manchester City team he caused so much problem to with Borussia Dortmund last week - will fancy his chances of unsettling the big defender.
LUDOVIC OBRANIAK V MICHAEL CARRICK
Carrick's passing abilities are not in doubt. However, he will need to keep an eye on Obraniak, who will look to break from midfield and exert additional pressure on England's defence.
MARCIN WASILEWSKI V WAYNE ROONEY
Rooney became England's fifth highest goalscorer (31) with his double on Friday and Roy Hodgson will be looking for another big contribution from the Manchester United man against Wasilewski, whose bravery in recovering from an horrendous leg break is not quite matched by his ability.

Around Sky