Martin Keown praises Steven Gerrard, Andros Townsend and Wayne Rooney

Former England defender Martin Keown has hailed the performances of Steven Gerrard, Andros Townsend and Wayne Rooney following the Three Lions' 2-0 win against Poland on Tuesday.

The victory meant that qualification to next summer's World Cup was confirmed, and Keown singled out the trio for special praise.

Giving his player ratings in the Daily Mail, Keown wrote: "[Gerrard] set the tempo as captain from the start, determined to drag his team through. With Michael Carrick next to him, he had extra licence to go forward. He relished that, scoring the second. Superb

"Andros Townsend was relentless with his running and he moves his feet so quickly. He was unlucky not to score when he hit the bar. Linked better with his team-mates than against Montenegro.

"[Wayne Rooney is] our main man and again he showed his class and hunger. His partnership with Sturridge is developing well and he linked intelligently with Townsend too. He's a predator in the box."

Meanwhile, captain Gerrard has called for perspective after back-to-back wins for Roy Hodgson's side.