Draw in Poland unlikely to deter England's march

A win on the road on Wednesday evening would all but ensure England qualify automatically for next year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but Gareth Southgate is unlikely to underestimate the threat of a Poland outfit led by Robert Lewandowski, especially on their own turf. The real scrap looks to be for second place and a play-off spot between Biało-czerwoni, neighbours Hungary, and Albania. Any kind of positive result against the Three Lions will increase Paulo Sousa's chances of attaining that goal exponentially, and it could be a very competitive encounter in Warsaw. Read our preview here:

Damian's good omen

The main quandary for Sousa ahead of the clash is whether to try to soak up the inevitable pressure from the visitors, or turn defence into attack - the approach will be informed by how many men he elects to play in defence. Kamil Glik's organisational skills in either case will be instrumental to any potential success on the night, and he remains an effective presence in the opposition penalty area from set pieces, too. Ahead of him in midfield will be AEK Athens' Damian Szymański, and he will seek to ensure the middle third isn't totally dominated by England. Though San Marino aren't the most resolute of opponents for obvious reasons, the 26 year old proved that he has what it takes to close down threats whilst instigating some of his own, and a regular supply up to Lewandowski and strike partner Karol Świderski is imperative to prevent them being isolated.

A Shaw thing

Southgate will almost certainly revert back to the XI that started the first of the 4-0 wins during the current international break away in Hungary, and with Tyrone Mings still suspended, the defensive unit will pick itself. Luke Shaw, who has looked a different player for both club and country since around February, is a key piece of the puzzle at left-back, and if as expected the hosts line up with a triumvirate in their own defence, there could be a lot of space down the flank for him to work with. Jack Grealish tends to peel off into the half-space, and that will suit the Manchester United star, allowing him room to cross towards the back post, looking for the head of either Harry Kane or Raheem Sterling.

Rice, rice, baby

England have won all five group games in their pool, conceding just once whilst comfortably swatting aside all opposition with the sole exception of Poland. In March's reverse fixture, Lewandowski was a huge absentee. His inclusion this time around, coupled with the likelihood of the Three Lions qualifying at a canter, might just tip the balance, making it a far more keenly fought contest. Parimatch have odds of 3.75 of a draw, being perhaps the visitors' only dropped points in the group as a whole.

Bet Draw on Parimatch