Wolves PodJockey

The last time an international was staged at Molineux was the infamous 1996 bomb scare which saw the match delayed until 10pm, and luckily tonight that was not the case for the near sold out crowd.

With many injuries to key players such as West Brom's Ishmael Miller and Newcastle's James Milner, Pearce had choose from a make-shift squad of 18 which saw absentee's Walcott, Agbonlohor and Wheater all called up to the Senior squad to face France.

Despite the first five minutes being dominated by Poland, England were able to get into the game when a solo run by Jamie O'Hara created a free-kick outside the area which was saved at the second attempt by Polish Keeper Szczesny.

England then went on the produce some great link up play which even Fabio Capello would have been impressed with, but it was the long ball strategy which provided most of England's first half chances, O'Hara turning provider when Cameron Jerome shots on goal were too weak to cause Szczesny any trouble.

Szczesny, who seemed to enjoy the acrobatic diving punch out from any crosses, then went on to impress the crowd nearly creating an assist when his throw reached Jancyzk in the box only for the ball the roll out of play. Then a few minutes later he again produced a superb diving punch to prevent O'Hara's cross from reaching any England players.

On 35 Minutes Poland had the opportunity to take the lead when Dawid Jancyzk was able to break into the box only to have his shot comfortably saved by Hart.

A brilliant solo run by Middlesbrough man of the moment Adam Johnson 40 minutes into the game saw him fall into the box only to have his penalty appeal turned away.

Luke Moore produced the best chance of the half for England just before half-time when his shot outside the area, was saved by Szczesny.

At half-time England decided the give Sunderland's Grant Leadbitter and Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton their debut's.

Despite some strong solo runs once again by Johnson and O'Hara the second half slipped into a passing game which led the crowd at Molineux to entertain themselves with 7 continuous Mexican waves.

Poland dominated the second half but most chances were stopped before they could even begin by some great defensive work from QPR's Mancienne and Stoke's Shawcross.

Substitutes Matt Derbyshire and Scott Dann came on to try get the game going again but it was Frazier Campbell's arrival from the bench, which nearly paid dividends when his run on goal was put to an end by a desperate tackle from Kuklis who was duly booked.

Poland nearly won the game five minutes before the end when Lewandowski's shot beat Heaton but went wide of the post.  

However, England nearly stole the win before the close of play when Frazier Campbell's shot was unluckily deflected wide.

A disappointing second half lead to a result, which most England fans would have thought would have been a comfortable win. But this is all the makeshift side could do tonight, and despite the best efforts of Cameron Jerome you just didn't know where the goals were coming from?

Pearce commented in the programme saying "it will provide us with an opportunity to give some valuable experience to some of the players who have been in the squad for much of the season", and that's what it seemed to turn out to be, a match which though was entertaining lack that killer instinct.

But some intelligent football from England tonight which many would like to see in the senior squad gave hope to the future of English football and if these players are the back-up to the preferred starting eleven for the U21 European championships in Sweden next year then there is nothing to fear when England arrive.

Attendance: 28,178

Man of the Match: Jamie O'Hara

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