Electric Youth

So England have finally done it. After a rather topsy-turvy qualification campaign, the Three Lions have finally won two matches in a row at the time that it matters most; to seal their place in the Rio beach party that is World Cup 2014.

Make no mistake: this was a tense night at Wembley... you could feel the electricity in the air with so much at stake, so much to win or lose.... Poland proved they are no push-overs, closing England down manfully and in fact, star striker Robert Lewandowski threatened in the first half on several occasions to give England a real shock in the solar plexus.

Gradually though, England stabilised the game and seized control of the upper hand, scoring at the perfect time just before the half-time interval. And it came from a familiar source: Leighton Baines, overlapping at left-back, provided a delicious cross for Wayne Rooney to nod in a wonderfully-directed header past Arsenal 'keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Poland upped their game in the second half and there were a few nervy moments for the home fans, but ultimately, England maintained the initiative and captain Steven Gerrard produced a typically workman-like moment to prod home the decisive second. The sense of relief was palpable around Wembley, and the lap of honour from the players at the end was a testament to a job well done.

But if there is a difference between this England team and the ones that I've seen through the years, it's the element of youth that this team undoubtedly possesses. Manager Roy Hodgson, famously cautious in his approach, has boldly gone where few England managers have done before: by opting for youth and a daring, attacking flavour in his ranks. And it has paid off handsomely thus far in the last few games. And this quality is none better exemplified than in Tottenham Hotspur's 22-year old sensation, Andros Townsend, who has provided zest and incisiveness down the right flank; reminiscent of Chris Waddle back in 1986 (who interestingly, was also from Spurs).

With fellow youngsters Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge surrounding him in the attacking fulcrum, England have used their sheer exuberance and youthful energy to overwhelm their opponents, and the end-product is an exciting England team seemingly capable of out-matching any opponent. There is further youth in the form of rampaging Spurs right-back Kyle Walker, Liverpool speedster Raheem Sterling, Everton's midfield prodigy Ross Barkley, Arsenal live-wire Jack Wilshere and Southampton's talented Adam Lallana. So that explains why I think this England team could very well make a strong impact at Brazil 2014.