Beattie makes comeback as England crash Southampton striker James Beattie, who has been sidelined with a rib injury since the start of the season, came through 90 minutes in England Under-21s' 3-1 defeat in Poland.

Beattie was drafted into the depleted squad on Monday after coming through a Saints Reserve game against an Australian Olympic side at Staplewood last Thursday.

The defeat in Plock ended England's hopes at the final hurdle of being the first side to win their qualifying group with a 100 per cent record and also without conceding a goal.

But in truth the side that failed to deliver the goods last night will bear little resemblance to the one which Howard Wilkinson should have at his disposal for the two-legged play-offs in November.

The likes of captain Frank Lampard, Emile Heskey, Lee Hendrie and Lee Bowyer should all be back from injury to bolster the team who won seven of their eight qualifying games.

England conceded their first goal in 676 minutes of Euro football early in the second half when Upson, under pressure from Lukasz Kubik, could only turn a cross from Miroslaw Spizak into his own net.

England drew level within two minutes with Mills forcing the ball home from close range. But hopes of a revival were shattered when Poland cashed in on some slipshod defending to score twice in four minutes.

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