England lose their 100% World Cup qualifying record as Damian Szymanski heads home injury-time equaliser to keep hosts' hopes alive, after Harry Kane's 30-yard THUNDERBOLT opened scoring
- Harry Kane broke deadlock with a sensational 30-yard shot in 72nd minute in the World Cup qualifier
- But Poland struck stoppage-time equaliser after Damian Szymanski headed in a Robert Lewandowski cross
- Despite late Poland goal, England still enjoy comfortable lead in Group I four points clear of Albania
- But the draw ends Gareth Southgate's perfect record in the group following five straight victories
This would have felt like a defeat. Damian Szymanski’s stoppage-time equaliser for Poland was like a dagger to the heart for England.
They were courageous here in Warsaw and it looked for all the world they were leaving victorious courtesy of a breathtaking strike from Harry Kane.
But Gareth Southgate’s team were left heartbroken right at the death, substitute Szymanski heading home from close range. They’ll learn from this. In the grand scheme of things a point here - in what should be their toughest qualifying game - isn’t a disaster, though it may feel like one when they wake up on Thursday morning.
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It will still take a calamitous capitulation for England to miss out on World Cup qualification. And when Gareth Southgate’s men arrive in Qatar next year, they’ll do so stronger after this harshest of lessons.
England looked to have played the perfect game, showing maturity to see out early Polish pressure before asserting themselves as the dominant force. Southgate’s side will leave Poland feeling hard done by and they’d certainly be justified to do so. But you often don’t get what you deserve in football. England found out the hard way, again.
That said, if you’d offered Southgate and his players seven points out of nine and a four-point lead at the top of their World Cup qualification group after the last three matches, they’d have taken it. Swings and roundabouts.
As expected Southgate reverted to the starting XI that dispatched of Hungary so emphatically last week. Perhaps it was harsh on some of the players who excelled in the 4-0 win against Andorra on Sunday.
Bukayo Saka, Jesse Lingard and Jude Bellingham, in particular, were superb at Wembley. But therein lies the challenge for those on the peripheries of Southgate’s team.
Yet you wouldn’t have blamed the England boss for feeling like he'd got his team selection wrong from the opening 15 minutes as Poland shifted quickly into gear.
Tymoteusz Puchacz and Kamil Glik passed up two early sights of goal before Jakub Moder forced Jordan Pickford into his first save of the night in the 15th minute after being played through by Robert Lewandowski. To add to England’s early concern, Kalvin Phillips picked up an early booking for a challenge on Puchacz.
But you never had the sense that England were ever in danger of losing control. This England team rarely panic. Quite the opposite, in fact - they rally. And gradually they began to impose themselves. You expected the net to bulge when Kane connected with Raheem Sterling’s tantalising cross after 21 minutes but the England captain, for once, failed to execute.
All of a sudden England were playing with verve. Of course, with Lewandowski in the opposition’s ranks you can never become too complacent. Indeed, if Lewandowski had connected sweetly with Karol Linetty’s superb pass then England would have been chasing. But the scare didn’t take the wind out of the visitor's sails.
The crowds deafening jeering towards the end of the first-half as England played keep ball provided a surefire sign of how the night was developing.
But while Southgate’s men were certainly building up a head of steam, creating clear cut opportunities - apart from Kane’s early chance - was proving a problem.
The first-half ended in fierce fashion as an altercation between Harry Maguire and Glik ended in both sets of players and benches clashing after the half-time whistle. The two players at the centre of melee, that at one point looked like turning nasty, were booked.
Southgate would have been quietly satisfied with his team’s first-half; particularly given they had scored seven second half goals in their previous two games.
You could sense England felt the game was there for taking. First, Jack Grealish flashed a low cross across the face of goal before Sterling twice found himself in threatening positions only to take too long make a final decision.
The boos re-emerged, only this time they were louder, as their dissatisfaction at England’s dominance started to grip the home supporters.
Maguire thought he’d opened the scoring in the 61st minute when his looping header from Luke Shaw’s free kick looked to have beaten Szczesny - but the effort hit the post.
But it was a matter of time; the whole stadium knew it. And when it arrived - wow.
Almost 30 yards out, Kane collected the ball. The Poles knew what was coming - they couldn’t stop it though.
Bang. The ball was in transit arcing away from Szczesny. Kane was already wheeling away in celebration, he knew when he hit it.
But somehow England lost their way. First, Pickford saw his attempted clearance ricochet off Karpol Swiderski, but the keeper recovered in time to claim.
And then up popped Szymanski, set-up majestically by Lewandowski, at the death to leave England’s players on the floor.
Re-live the action as it happened with Sportsmail...
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Dan Ripley Host commentator
England will be furious with dropping two points here, but a draw is a helpful result for the Three Lions as they edge towards qualification.
Or have they?! Poland have scored in the second added minute with Damian Szymanski heading home a Lewandowski cross.
There will be four added minutes and at the very least England look to have avoided defeat here.
Half-chance for Poland a minute before time. Lewandowski brings the ball down brilliantly over his shoulder, but after cutting inside he can only curl an effort over the bar from 20 yards out. Time for the Poland kitchen sink to be thrown?
Five minutes to play and England are still trying to control the game looking for a second goal. Remember if they win this, they look almost certain to reach the finals next year.
It's not overt yet though. Poland are going to have to throw everything at this soon.
Not now Pickford, honestly not now! The England keeper is far too casual trying to clear the ball and in taking too long, his attempted clearance bounces off Karol Swiderski.
The ball loops over Pickford's head and is heading for the net until the Everton stopper just nips back in time to grab from off the goalline.
Into the final 10 minutes and Poland have made all their substitutions now. England are still standing by their starting XI as they probe a second goal.
This game is getting away from Poland now as they pick up a couple of yellow cards for late fouls on Raheem Sterling and Kane. The home fans were largely silenced by that Kane strike, and they haven't really found their voices since.
Glik's been in the wars today and he now seems to have picked up a knee injury following a tangle with Kane who is ok to continue. I'm still watching replays of that Kane goal - what an effort!
OH MY WORD! Who else? Harry Kane shows Lewandowski how it is done as he looks up from 30 yards out and blasts a swerving shot beyond Szczesny into the corner. Brilliant strike!
If we are to credit England, their defence has once again looked solid. Robert Lewandowski has just had his first meaningful kick of the half and it's a low long distance strike easily saved by Jordan Pickford.
Just over 20 minutes to play and while Poland have made a couple of changes, Gareth Southgate is still keeping his powder dry. England haven't really kicked on from their impressive start to the half. They have taken very few risks this evening.
Four games are still 0-0 and three of them involve the Home Nations of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Wales though will be of most concern, as they are struggling to break down Estonia in Cardiff.
As we hit the hour mark, there are jeers and the whistles from the home crowd as England dominate the ball. Former West Brom flop Grzegorz Krychowiak reacts to it by clattering into Jack Grealish to pick up a rather silly booking (below).
There is more intensity in this half from England. They have been putting Poland under a bit of pressure as Kalvin Phillips has the Three Lions' first shot on target with a long range drive comfortably stopped by Wojciech Szczesny.
Still just the usual suspects among the goals. Italy now lead 5-0 over Lithuania while Leroy Sane has given Germany a 3-0 lead in Iceland.
Albania also lead San Marino and as it stands would leapfrog Poland into second place in this group.
Much better from England. Phillips stars a counter attack by feeding Mason Mount in space who attacks the Polish back four. Approaching the penalty box, he lays the ball off for Jack Grealish on the left, whose low shot across goal just bobbles wide. He wants a corner but only a goal kick is given.
One thing to pick up from just before the break was that Kyle Walker clearly had the skin on his neck pinched by Glik - yet VAR have seen no need to get involved. Bit bizarre, that.
That was a concerning first half for England. They've been very poor on the ball, labouring a little off it and are now seemingly getting dragged into a scrap with the Polish players too - who have all the incentive they need to make this game a scrappy one.
That first 45 minutes was a warning for England - they can't play like that again if they want to win this. They haven't had a shot on target yet.
Both players appeared to have a disagreement shortly before a free-kick to Poland in stoppage time, and whatever it was appeared to continue after the first half was ended.
Despite players from both sides getting involved in a bit of a melee, it only results in a booking a piece.
Drama as the whistle goes, with the players scrapping with each other. Cards are coming here, but they look to just be yellows.
Two minutes to go before half-time and from an England perspective although the scoreline isn't too bad, the performance is less than acceptable. Southgate's side have been mediocre at best.
Italy are now 4-0 up against Lithuania with Moise Kean grabbing a second goal, while Pablo Fornals has opened the scoring for Spain in Kosovo.
Looks like that Stones incident came after he was clattered into by Lewandowski while clearing the ball. The Manchester City defender will continue for now as he attempts to run off his knock.
Problems for England, and maybe Manchester City too, John Stones has gone down with a resigned face off the ball as medics come on to treat his injured leg.
On the touchline meanwhile, Southgate gives instructions to a few of his stars including Mason Mount.
So, so poor. Phillips does well to intercept a pass to start a counter attack but after finding Sterling a two-on one attack involving Kane soon fizzles out on the edge of the box with a mis-placed pass.
Gareth Southgate won't be happy with this. England are second to everything so far and I can't even blame the German referee now. Poland are asking all the questions even if they have not created that much.
Chance for Poland. England labour trying to clear the ball and a lifted ball into the box finds Robert Lewandowski. The ball though bounces back up for the striker and he fails in his attempt to lob Pickford who gathers comfortably.
More goals from the same three games - with the rest of the action like Warsaw still deadlocked. Italy lead Lithuania 3-0, Hungary are 2-0 up on Andorra while Antonio Rudiger has doubled Germany's lead in Iceland.
Not too sure what that was all about. Raheem Sterling dinks a far post cross for Harry Kane who nods the ball down into the six-yard box for absolutely no one before the home side clear. Bit curious as to why he didn't just try and guide it towards the far corner with a looping effort.
Poland just look a little sharper on the ball in this first period, but in truth there isn't too much between the teams. England yet to really show much threat going forward though with Wojciech Szczesny having had nothing to do.
First real shot on goal and it comes from the hosts. Robert Lewandowski helps build an attack that finds Jakub Moder inside the box, but from a narrow angle his effort is comfortably stopped by Jordan Pickford.
Early goals for Italy and Germany who lead through respective Moise Kean and Serge Gnabry (below) strikes, as a Polish player avoids a booking following a foul on Jack Grealish. Hungary also lead in Group I over Andorra.
Lots (all?) of the 50/50 calls have gone against England so far who are still yet to spark in this contest. Is now the time I need to remind you that the match official is German? I'll leave the rest to you...
Total nonsense this. Kalvin Phillips is booked already after he is accused of stamping on a Polish player's ankle while attempting to turn on the ball. The Leeds midfielder is dumbfounded over the decision as is his skipper Harry Kane.
Bit of a slow start from England here. Poland have come out the blocks a little better than Hungary did last week and look the better team so far with some menacing crosses played into the England box.
More boos for the England players taking the knee ahead of kick-off along with whistles and jeers. Looks like the controversial anti-racism gesture is divisive in Poland too.
The 1-1 draw at Wembley... Brian Clough, the Polish keeper, clowns and all of that. Always worth a watch for amusement if you can dig it out.
Here is a reminder of the team news from both sides:
Poland: Szczesny, Dawidowicz, Glik, Bednarek, Puchacz, Jozwiak, Linetty, Krychowiak, Moder, Buksa, Lewandowski.
Subs: Slisz, Piatkowski, Swiderski, Zalewski, Dragowski, Frankowski, Damian Szymanski, Kaminski, Kedziora, Rybus, Skorupski, Helik.
England: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Phillips, Rice, Sterling, Mount, Grealish, Kane.
Subs: Johnstone, James, Saka, Bamford, Lingard, Henderson, Alexander-Arnold, Coady, Trippier, Bellingham, Pope.
Referee: Daniel Siebert (Germany)
This is a pivotal match for England - win this and they are as good as qualified. Defeat wouldn't be a disaster as they look to secure top spot but it would be a huge disappointment and puts a little bit of pressure on a home clash against Hungary later on in the group. A draw would be just about acceptable too.
One is a three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner at 28, the other is still terrorising the Bundesliga at 33.
Here, Sportsmail’s No 9 Chris Sutton rates the greats…
Looks like there are a fair few backing Gareth Southgate's side in Warsaw this evening too. No, wait... they are just Polish Jack Grealish fans. Modern football, eh?
Of course, Robert Lewandowski starts for Poland this evening, and he will be the main threat against England. But here is how the Three Lions can stop the Bayern Munich striker...
Spain may be top of their group but only just, and having played two games more than Sweden, can ill afford to drop points in Kosovo this evening.
Kosovo: Muric, Hadergjonaj, Rrahmani, Faziji, Vojvoda, Rashani, Loshaj, Dresevic, Bytyqi, Rashica, Muriqi.
Subs: Mirlind Kryeziu, Seljmani, Aliti, Muslija, Domgjoni, Ujkani, Thaci, R Kastrati, Jashari, Valon Berisha.
Spain: Simon, Llorente, Martinez, Laporte, Reguilon, Carlos Soler, Busquets, Koke, Torres, Morata, Fornals.
Subs: Rodri, Ruiz, Sarabia, Albiol, Traore, Sanchez, Merino, Mendez, Jordi Alba, Garcia, de Gea, Azpilicueta.
Referee: Bobby Madden (Scotland)
Contrary to the group table below, Armenia have now drawn with Liechtenstein, and a Germany win this evening would put them well on course to reaching yet another World Cup finals. Death, taxes and Germany qualifying for a major tournament...
Iceland: Halldorsson, Saevarsson, Brynjar Ingi Bjarnason, Fjoluson, Skulason, Birkir Bjarnason, Palsson, Johannesson, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Albert Gudmundsson, Helgason.
Subs: Runarsson, Gunnarsson, Baldursson, Gudjohnsen, Arnason, Eyjolfsson, Sampsted, Thorarinsson, Thorsteinsson, Kjartansson, Sigurdsson, Hermannsson.
Germany: Neuer, Hofmann, Rudiger, Sule, Kehrer, Kimmich, Goretzka, Gundogan, Gnabry, Werner, Sane.
Subs: Leno, Musiala, Gosens, Wirtz, Klostermann, Havertz, Neuhaus, Raum, Trapp, Dahoud, Adeyemi, Schlotterbeck.
Referee: Andreas Ekberg (Sweden)
It's not strictly a 'must win' but it's not far off. With Italy (team for tonight below) favourites to advance as group winners, it's up to Northern Ireland to keep their qualifying hopes alive by... wait for it... rolling over the Swiss. (Get in, bet nobody has ever used that one before!)
Italy: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Acerbi, Bastoni, Biraghi, Pessina, Jorginho, Cristante, Bernardeschi, Raspadori, Kean.
Subs: Florenzi, Gollini, Chiellini, Toloi, Castrovilli, Scamacca, Bonucci, Calabria, Berardi, Barella, Sirigu, Locatelli.
Lithuania: Setkus, Lasickas, Klimavicius, Utkus, Slavickas, Dapkus, Slivka, Kazlauskas, Verbickas, Novikovas, Dubickas.
Subs: Tutyskinas, Satkus, Krapikas, Megelaitis, Barauskas, Uzela, Gaspuitis, Baravykas, Gertmonas.
Referee: Craig Pawson (England)
Ciaron Brown replaces the suspended Paddy McNair in the Northern Ireland starting line-up for their World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.
Ian Baraclough makes 10 changes from Sunday's 1-0 friendly win in Estonia - with Jamal Lewis the only player keeping his place - as he restores nine of those who started last Thursday's 4-1 win over Lithuania.
Brown comes in for McNair, banned after his booking in Vilnius, but George Saville has to make do with a place on the bench after returning from his own suspension, as does Sunday's match winner Shane Ferguson.
Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell, Ballard, Cathcart, Brown, Lewis, Smith, McCann, Davis, Thompson, Washington, Lavery.
Subs: Saville, McCalmont, Carson, Flanagan, Bradley, Whyte, Jones, Lafferty, Hazard, Ferguson, McGinn, Charles.
Switzerland: Sommer, Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez, Freuler, Frei, Zakaria, Fassnacht, Vargas, Seferovic.
Subs: Steffen, Schar, Mvogo, Zeqiri, Zesiger, Zuber, Garcia, Aebischer, Lauper, Sow, Kobel, Lotomba.
Referee: Herald Lechner (Poland)
Let's be honest. Belgium pretty much have the automatic place for next year's finals already sewn up, but Wales will be keen to snatch second spot and a play-off place this evening in what is in theory their easiest qualifying fixture in the first of their two games in hand on the Czech Republic.
Skipper Gareth Bale wins his 99th cap as Wales make three changes for their 2022 World Cup qualifier against Estonia in Cardiff.
Ethan Ampadu, Harry Wilson and Tyler Roberts return after missing Sunday's 3-2 victory over Belarus, with James Lawrence, Brennan Johnson and Rubin Colwill dropping to the bench.
Estonia make one change from the side beaten 5-2 by Belgium in World Cup qualifying last Thursday as Tottenham teenager Maksim Paskotsi replaced the injured Joonas Tamm.
Wales: Ward, Gunter, Ampadu, Mepham, Ben Davies, Morrell, Allen, Wilson, James, Roberts, Bale.
Subs: Hennessey, Lawrence, Rodon, Johnson, Jonathan Williams, Colwill, Norrington-Davies, Harris, Smith, Woodburn, King, Levitt.
Estonia: Hein, Kuusk, Paskotsi, Kait, Pikk, Anier, Vassiljev, Mets, Kreida, Puri, Sappinen.
Subs: Igonen, Lukka, Sorga, Zenjov, Sinyavskiy, Lilander, Miller, Kirss, Poom, Peetson, Vallner, Teniste.
Referee: Ruddy Buquet (France)
England boss Gareth Southgate once again makes 11 changes as the likes of Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and captain Harry Kane were recalled for the World Cup qualifier in Poland.
The Three Lions have won all five of their Group I matches, with Southgate altering his entire side between last Thursday's 4-0 win in Hungary and Sunday's victory over Andorra by the same scoreline.
It was the first time since 1982 that an England team had made 11 changes from the previous fixture but it would take Southgate just three days to repeat the feat.
It means Jordan Pickford returns in goal while Luke Shaw, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and John Stones form the defence in Warsaw.
Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips come back in while Mason Mount joins Kane, Sterling and Grealish further up the pitch.
Another World Cup qualifying win would see them maintain a perfect start after six games but more importantly see them take a giant step towards next summer's World Cup finals.
Team news coming next though and it's all guns blazing from Gareth Southgate. Good evening all...
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