Glenn Hoddle's first home international as England coach got off it a disasterous start at Wembley. Citko gave Poland the lead in the 16th minute. Balusynskis' pass from the right, crossed the area to an unmarked Citko who seized the opportunity to punish England's defence with a strike with his left foot. The visitors came close to extending their lead just a few minutes later, but after a deflection, Warzycha's attempt went wide. England, who's starting line up featured Les Ferdinand (Newcastle) and Steve McManaman (Liverpool), replacing Gary Pallister (Manchester United) and Nicky Barmby (Everton), equalised later in the first period of play through Shearer. The Newcastle striker headed the ball passed Polish 'keeper Wozniak, after Beckham played a superb ball to the English captain. This brought Shearer's international goal tally to 12. Shearer was celebrating again minutes later. After his first shot was blocked, Ferdinand with possession returned the ball to Shearer who powered the ball from 20 yards to give England a 2-1 lead. Poland came close to levelling the score through Nowak but he was denied by David Seaman.

Minutes after the re-start Pallister replaced Southgate following the Villa player sustaining a leg injury. This substitution gave England a new dimension. The home team subsequently made some more encouraging runs, and almost extended their lead but Pearce's free-kick was saved by Wozniak. Despite England's attempt to secure victory with a third goal, Poland tried to score a second and almost did through Nowak, but the final score stood at 2-1 to the home side.

Teams

ENGLAND:
Seaman, Neville, Pearce, Ince, Southgate (Pallister 52 min), Hinchcliffe, Beckham, Gascoigne, Shearer, Ferdinand, McManaman.
Subs Not Used: Campbell, Walker, Platt, Le Tissier, Sheringham, Barmby.

POLAND:
Wozniak, Michalski, Wojtala, Jozwiak, Zielinski, Waldoch, Hajta, Baluszynski, Warzycha (Saganowki 75 min), Nowak, Citko.
Subs Not Used: Szczesny, Wegrzyn, Ledwon, Staniek, Brzeczek, Kucharski.

Match Details

England Scorers: Shearer 24 min, 38 min
Poland Scorers: Citko 7 min

England cautions: None
Poland cautions: Hajto

Referee: Hellmut Krug (Germany)

Attendance: 74,663