Gerrard returns to England XI as Welbeck drops out in favour of Defoe

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has made a host of changes for their crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier away in Poland, opting to go for experience over more youthful players

England boss Roy Hodgson has made six changes from the side that beat San Marino 5-0 for their vital 2014 World Cup qualifier away in Poland, including recalls for veteran duo Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard.

Chelsea left-back Cole will make his first start for his country since his foul-mouthed outburst on Twitter criticising the Football Association, taking the place of Everton’s Leighton Baines.

There are also recalls for Liverpool’s Glen Johnson and Manchester City’s Joleon Lescott with Hodgson deciding to go for a more experienced backline in front of Lescott’s club team-mate Joe Hart.

Elsewhere James Milner and Gerrard take their places in midfield after missing out on last week’s win, and Jermain Defoe gets the nod upfront over Danny Welbeck despite the Manchester United forward netting two goals in the Three Lions match against San Marino.

Injured Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Ryan Bertrand will not be involved after both were ruled out earlier in the week.

Poland starting XI:

Subs:

England starting XI: Hart; Johnson, Jagielka, Lescott, Cole; Milner, Carrick, Gerrard; Rooney, Cleverley, Defoe

Subs: Walker, Ruddy, Baines, Cahill, Shawcross, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shelvey, Lennon, Johnson, Carroll, Welbeck, Forster