Hodgson forgets the past stories

Scotland, Germany and Argentina may generally be regarded as the Three Lions’ biggest rivals.

Yet their battles with Poland have often been of huge significance.

Gary Lineker will never forget his hat-trick against them at the 1986 World Cup.

Thirteen years later it was Paul Scholes’ turn to hit a three-timer at Wembley.

Yet it is the third and fourth of the 17 meetings between the two countries that have the greatest resonance.

The third was England’s only defeat, when Alan Ball was sent off in Chorzow.

The fourth spawned Brian Clough’s famous assessment of ‘The Clown’ to describe Jan Tomaszewski’s sensational performance at Wembley that signalled the end of English hopes of reaching the 1974 World Cup, and triggered the dismissal of Sir Alf Ramsey.

It is those memories that are draped over tonight’s fixture and which Hodgson is so keen to brush aside.

“The match with the goalkeeper at Wembley was a bitter moment,” said Hodgson.

“But the fact is, whilst I don’t ever dismiss history, the bottom line is we are working for today and tomorrow.

“It’s about what we’re trying to build. A knowledge of history gives you some perspective, but it doesn’t help you win football match.”

Inflammatory words can though, which is why Patrick Vieira’s claim that English players are not bothered about playing for England might be used to irritate a little bit prior to kick-off.

“It didn’t annoy me because I don’t really care what Patrick Vieira says,” said skipper Steven Gerrard.

“But it surprised me to read that. The impression I get, from young players at Liverpool, is that they’re desperate to get into this set-up. You can see in their faces when they’re left out.”Hodgson may be disappointing a few tonight.

Whilst Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott can be reasonably sure of reclaiming their places, decisions have to be made between Jermain Defoe or Danny Welbeck as Wayne Rooney’s strike partner and also whether to include James Milner.

That would put the places of Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley at risk in Warsaw’s National Stadium, scene of both Italy’s Euro 2012 semifinal win over Germany, and also the opening game between Poland and Greece.

It was then that the robust atmosphere inside the 58,500- capacity arena first became apparent.

And the noise England can expect to be confronted with is one of the reasons why both Hodgson and Gerrard accept the Three Lions will have to be better than they were in beating Ukraine in Donetsk if they are to overcome the other Euro 2012 co-host.

Hodgson said: “England have always been a scalp.

“Even San Marino were ultra-defensive against us and just tried to keep the score down, whereas they had at least tried to make a game of it in the other matches we had seen them in.

“Poland will be rubbing their hands with glee at this game.

“We will face a highly motivated team with a very vocal and enthusiastic support because, if they can win it, it’s a real feather in their cap.”

The result could define an entire qualification campaign.

Ukraine’s surprise draw in Moldova on Friday may have eased the pressure slightly, but England must come away with some kind of positive result to ensure they remain in control of Group H.

Although he doesn’t accept it, Hodgson was given a free ride at the Euros, so judgements are starting to be formed.

“Are you suggesting that if we lose tomorrow we won’t qualify?” said Hodgson, when asked if he felt he was on a hiding to nothing.

“People judge you when they want to judge you.

“I’ve always, as a manager or coach, been under the impression every time your team play people will have opinions about how they have done or the way you’ve set it out.

“I’m more than happy with the response I’ve had (from the players) so far. They’ve committed 100 per cent to what we’re trying to do.

“It’s for others to decide whether that’s good enough or not.

“I’m fully aware when defeats come criticism will be levelled against me and the team.”