World Cup

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World Cup | Qualifiers

Oct 15, 2013 at 8pm UK

England
2-0
Poland

Rooney (41'), Gerrard (88')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Steven Gerrard: 'Goal among career highs'

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 16 October 2013

Steven Gerrard reveals that scoring the second goal in England's crucial 2-0 win over Poland came as a huge relief and was one of the highlights of his career.

Steven Gerrard had admitted that he felt very relieved after scoring England's second goal in their 2-0 win over Poland on Tuesday, and has put that moment alongside his other career highs.

The Three Lions skipper netted in the 88th minute to add to Wayne Rooney's earlier header as Roy Hodgson's side claimed a win that guarantees them qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Liverpool midfielder has admitted that he was anxious when England had only a one-goal cushion before his late strike, which prompted emotions that he has only felt a handful of times as a player.

"It was a relief for everyone," Gerrard told reporters. "At 1-0 it was very nervous, tense and edgy, you are always thinking that one mistake and you could be in trouble.

"I got a bit of a break with the goal, but when I saw it in the back of the net it was a tremendous feeling. It is a feeling difficult to put into words because I am on such a high.

"I have had some wonderful nights as Liverpool captain and I remember the night when Roy phoned me to tell me I was going to be the permanent captain. The feeling I got when that goal went in tonight, that feeling was maxed."

Gerrard was making his 107th England appearance in the match at Wembley, a tally which makes him the country's fourth-most capped player of all time.