Taylor made for England win
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Article summary
England 4-1 Poland Centre-back Steven Taylor notched up a rare two-goal haul as England finished their Group 6 campaign in style.
Article body
England completed their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification campaign in style, easing to a 4-1 victory against ten-man Poland in Sheffield.
Cole opener
The home side had already confirmed their place in November's play-offs, but had a point to prove after a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Austria in their last outing. Carlton Cole gave England the lead on 18 minutes in Leeds and repeated the feat tonight, outpacing the Polish defence and adroitly chipping the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper.
Thomas strike
Within three minutes, a clinical England team doubled the lead through Jerome Thomas. The Charlton Athletic FC striker could have made it two in two minutes in England's next attack but dragged his shot wide, although Peter Taylor's team did not have to wait long to add a third, Steven Taylor scrambling home from close range on 36 minutes.
Superb solo run
Marcin Kikut reduced the deficit before half-time, skipping past Peter Whittingham before unleashing an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Scott Carson. But it was a rare moment of cutting edge from the visitors who never looked like sustaining a comeback. Poland later had Pawel Strak sent off before Taylor completed a comprehensive England victory late on.