Just to rub it in!!!!
England ended their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Poland that also ensured they finished top of their group.
Doubts may still remain over Sven-Goran Eriksson's ability to get the very best out of his talented 'golden generation', with his substitution of Shaun Wright-Phillips roundly booed at Old Trafford.
However, with a victory underpinned by Wayne Rooney's creativity and brought to fruition by the finishing prowess of Michael Owen and Frank Lampard, England ended their World Cup qualifying campaign on a winning note.
And while it may take rather longer to restore confidence than to lose it, the shoots of recovery are at least now there, with the onus on Eriksson to complete the transformation over the coming months.
Not that England were exactly at their best, but they still seized the lead on 43 minutes when Lampard's corner fell to Joe Cole on the edge of the penalty area and his shot was instinctively flicked through Sobolewski's legs by Owen from close range.
That should have been the cue for England to stamp their authority, but instead Kamil Kosowski was allowed to open up their defence down Poland's right flank before crossing for the unmarked Frankowski to strike his volley past Paul Robinson.
England did not wilt, however, with Wright-Phillips remaining dangerous whenever racing at defenders, but only until he actually had to cross the ball, making him the exact opposite of the man he was replacing, David Beckham.
Celtic keeper Boruc pulled off two excellent saves, one from Owen and another to prevent an own goal but finally the breakthrough came with 10 minutes left.
England poured through the midfield and when Owen clipped an inviting ball forward to Lampard, he thrashed his volley into the net.
Eriksson moved swiftly to reinforce his midfield with Alan Smith and Jermaine Jenas, and victory was duly achieved. So too was leadership of the group. There were, at last, signs of light at the end of the dark tunnel.
Leslie
