TWO first-half goals from striker Ebi Smolarek gave Poland a shock 2-1 win over Group A favourites Portugal in Chorzow.

WORLD CUP hosts Germany were forced to come from two goals down to earn a draw in their friendly at the BayArena against Japan.

England midfielder Owen Hargreaves has underlined his team-mates’ reasons for refusing to talk to the media after Wednesday’s win in Poland.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON stressed his unswerving loyalty to his players as he looked for England to transform their World Cup qualifying position in Poland today — led by under-fire captain David Beckham.

Poland coach Pawel Janas is plotting England’s downfall in the World Cup qualifier in Chorzow tomorrow without having enough time to adequately coach his players.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident Steven Gerrard will be fit to play in the World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday, despite missing the end of today‘s training session with a groin injury.

England coach Sven Goran-Eriksson had the luxury of training with a full squad today before flying out to Vienna this afternoon ahead of the opening World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday.