Roy Hodgson has demanded that England beat Poland on Tuesday night to avoid the security blanket of the playoffs.

The Three Lions will seal qualification for the 2014 World Cup with a victory at Wembley tonight but would be likely to finish in a playoff spot should they be unable to pick up the win due to second-placed Ukraine facing group minnows San Marino.

However, Hodgson is eager to avoid the prospect of a two-legged clash with the runners-up of another group and wants to advance at the first time of asking.

"No, I don't think the playoffs will ease any fears over qualification," Hodgson told reporters at a press conference.

"I'm not thinking of the playoffs. This is a game we want to win. I don't think I will be satisfied if we don't win.

"This is our game, our stadium, our fans, and we're pretty sure we're going to win - that's how we are approaching the game."

The match gets underway at 8pm.

Written by
Matt Cotton