Eriksson's dilemma

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Old Trafford

Even in victory, England threw up some intriguing posers for boss Sven-Goran Eriksson - especially the conundrum presented by a new-look midfield.

England's midfield had a better balance than in recent memory, with much credit going to Spurs captain Ledley King and match-winner Frank Lampard.

Report: England 2-1 Poland Eriksson joy as England hit form Views: Alan Shearer & Alan Hansen

King anchored England's midfield perfectly, leaving Lampard to the role he performs best, setting up attacks, arriving in danger areas and getting goals.

And Lampard could do all this without the burden of worrying whether he was leaving gaps behind him.

Lampard, ironically, looked a better player without Steven Gerrard - and the suspicion remains the reverse would also be true.

So what does Eriksson do now?

England player ratings

Does he stick with King and Lampard?

Does he restore the Lampard-Gerrard partnership which is heavy on world-class talent but low on balance and cohesion?

Or will he even be bold enough to try another version of last night's central midfield - with Newcastle's Scott Parker as the holding player and Gerrard as the attacking option?

On paper this looks even more enticing than the pairing of King and Lampard, but Eriksson's natural conservatism may yet get the better of him.

Eriksson will also hope Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole get enough football at Chelsea to keep them match-sharp for the summer - with Wright-Phillips a serious worry on that score.

Rooney is the force every England move revolves around

The Swede will offer up silent prayers that nothing befalls Wayne Rooney, because once again Manchester United's brilliant youngster showed he could be the difference between triumph and despair in Germany.

Rooney is the force every England move revolves around. He is a creator and spearhead, a unique talent.

If Rooney is fit and firing, Eriksson may yet have the last laugh on those of us who question the Swede's credentials and ability to deliver the big prize.

If any misfortune overtakes Rooney, England will not win the World Cup - the equation is that simple after another masterclass from the young prodigy.

It was not all sweetness and light on a night when the presence of 6,000 Poland fans created a real atmosphere of competition.

The visitors' passion even extended to colours being sported, shameless patriotism and several rousing songs in tribute to goalkeeper Artur Boruc - and that was just in the press box.

The jeering that greeted the arrival of Liverpool's Peter Crouch as a second-half substitute for Wright-Phillips was a shameful episode.

Many supporters were angry at the removal of Wright-Phillips, but others also chose the moment to deliver a resounding raspberry in Crouch's direction.

It was a sour moment out of keeping with the night and hardly designed to buoy Crouch's confidence.

Manchester tried to rain on England and Eriksson's parade - but another win means the critics are kept at bay again.

And for England and Eriksson, another opportunity awaits to prove they are not world football's nearly men.