England will be the favorites against Poland in the world Cup qualifiers on Tuesday at the National Arena in Warsaw. However, striker Robert Lewandowski believes his side are capable of pulling off an upset.
"There is no doubt that England are the favourites, but we want to cause an upset and win," the 24-year-old said. "I know it is going to be extremely difficult, but sometimes football is unpredictable.
"For example: I had more good chances against Manchester City than against theoretically weaker Hannover 96 in the subsequent Bundesliga game (he scored in a 1-1 draw).
"Maybe it will be the same on Tuesday ‒ maybe I will get chances and score."
Lewandowski might have received a bucketful of chances while playing for Borussia Dortmund against Manchester City in the Champions, League. But the striker failed to capitalize on them mainly because of one of the best goalkeepers in the world today - Joe Hart. Lewandowski, however, is confident he can find a way past the imposing City man.
"The fact that I did not beat Joe Hart in the Champions League does not mean I won't beat him in with the national team," he said.
"That does not worry me. This is a different game and another opportunity to score against Hart. He is a very good goalkeeper but he can be beaten like anybody else."
England coach Roy Hodgson is keen to utilize the squad at his disposal and warned the youngsters they will need to continue to take their chances if they are to remain in the starting XI - after the likes of Danny Welbeck and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put in impressive performances in their last game against San Marino.
"If they want to take over then they'll have to play very well because some of the experienced players are still very keen to play football at this level for as long as possible," Hodgson said.
"They'll have to make certain they are better than the ones who have been doing the job.
"It is nice to know we are producing some players now who will challenge, will continue to improve, will mature with time and the matches they can play.
"My only fear is the usual one of hoping these talents can get enough game time.
"It's always nice to have experience in your team and it's also quite nice sometimes to have some younger players in the team.
"Experience is important and we do have, at the moment, a good balance between youth and experience but the key tomorrow night is nothing more complicated than playing well."
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
