WARSAW: England rode their luck as they held Poland to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group H qualifier courtesy of a fortunate Wayne Rooney goal at Warsaw's National Stadium tonight, reported Eurosport.

In an performance of some poverty, Roy Hodgson's side were lucky to get out of the Polish capital with a point in a match that was played at 5pm local time due to torrential rain forcing its postponement on Wednesday evening amid some farcical scenes.

England did little or nothing of great note in the match. The goal symbolized England's performance as the ball flew into the home net via Rooney's shoulder from a Steven Gerrard corner in the 31st minute.

Poland enjoyed the territorial advantage in the second half and deservedly drew level in the 70th minute when Kamil Glik powered home a header from Ludovic Obraniak's corner as England goalkeeper Joe Hart grasped at fresh air.

England remain unbeaten in the group with eight points from four matches, but are involved in a real battle to establish supremacy in the section with Montenegro only a point behind in second place with seven points from their three games.

Poland also remain heavily involved after showing some admirable fighting qualities before 43,000 impassioned fans to recover this match.

They have five points from three games with Moldova on four points from four outings in a section that remains finely poised with England's next competitive fixture seeing them visit San Marino in March.

- mD