A superb late strike by Frank Lampard gave England a 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Poland and top place in Group Six tonight.
Both sides had already qualified for the finals but Lampard's volley made a much-criticised England team group winners and left Poland to head to Germany as one of Europe's best runners-up.
Captain Michael Owen gave England, showing their best form of the season, a deserved lead after 44 minutes but Poland substitute Tomasz Frankowski volleyed an equaliser in first-half stoppage time.
Northern Ireland's campaign ended in a two nil defeat to Austria but a Ryan Giggs brace ensured three points against Azerbaijan. Both had no hopes of qualification.
Also playing for pride was Scotland, whose three nil win over Slovenia was secured by Darren Fletcher, James McFadden and Paul Hartley.
