Anyone who watched Borussia Dortmund in their run to the Champions League final last season knows how much of a threat Poland pair Jakub Blaszczykowski and Robert Lewandowksi pose.
England would be naive to think they are the only dangers in opposition ranks for Tuesday’s final World Cup qualifier, however.
We look at some Poland players who may have slipped under the radar:
Piotr Zielinski
Although largely confined to an impact sub role with club side Udinese, teenager Zielinski has been prolific for Poland since breaking into the squad earlier this year.
This attacking midfielder scored the winner in the 3-2 friendly victory over Denmark in August. Zielinski also added a brace against minnows San Marino to his international tally.
Poland coach Waldemar Fornalik is letting youth have its place on the roster and hopes could well be pinned on Zielinski long-term.
Waldemar Sobota
This winger recently moved to Belgium with Club Brugge and has already made an impact at his new club.
Sobota, 26, laid on two goals in the 4-0 trouncing of Anderlecht last month. He has been in and out of Poland’s national setup since making his debut in 2011, but is a regular selection for namesake coach Fornalik.
Because Poland captain Blaszczykowski has the right wing berth nailed down, Sobota has often operated from the opposite flank. It’s proved an effective tactic as he has two international goals in the last four.
Whether the England right back is Chris Smalling or Phil Jones, they must try to send Sobota round the outside on his weaker foot.
Mateusz Klich
Eredivisie outfit PEC Zwolle is not the most fashionable of clubs, but 23-year-old Klich went there to play football as he couldn’t get a game at Wolfsburg.
Another attacking midfielder, he is in direct competition with Zielinski for a place in Poland’s XI. Fornalik is unlikely to choose both as that would leave the back four lacking protection.
Klich scored one and made another in the friendly win over Denmark in August and has figured in every match since. Whether it’s him or Zielinski in the team come Tuesday, the England anchors need to put the shackles on.
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