Inexperienced England hold off Poland

Relief
England coach Stuart Pearce gave debuts to six players and first starts to three others yet was relieved that the visitors did not snatch victory at the end.

Tytoń under pressure
Adam Johnson caught the eye and it was from a free-kick won by the Middlesbrough FC winger that England began to test Przemyslaw Tytoń in Poland's goal. The Roda JC keeper saved Craig Gardner's set-piece and followed that with stops from Luke Moore and Cameron Jerome – both making first starts along with defender Michael Mancienne.

New boy
Poland responded through Szymon Pawłowski who kept England custodian Joe Hart busy until he was replaced at half-time by Manchester United FC's Tom Heaton. The debutant did well to snuff out the danger when Dawid Janczyk threatened to race clear and again when tipping over a Radoslaw Majewski strike.

Late escape
Another England newcomer, Fraizer Campbell, was almost on hand to head in the rebound after Tytoń failed to hold an effort from Campbell's fellow first-timer Jamie O'Hara, yet the ball would not drop kindly. However, England escaped defeat at the death as Pawłowski rolled a shot wide. Pearce also gave first caps to Daniel Fox, Ryan Shawcross, Scott Dann.