Hodgson hails England performance as Three Lions have now qualify for World Cup

 England boss Roy Hodgson has praised his side's performance against Poland as the Three Lions booked their place at the World Cup next summer.

Goals from Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard ensured the hosts won 2-0 to secure top spot in Group H and a trip to Brazil, with the Liverpool skipper's late strike sparking jubilant scenes - including assistant manager Ray Lewington sprinting down the touchline.

Hodgson has been pleased with the way the side has responded to being in such a competitive group, beating Ukraine to the top spot, and believes the side will continue to improve before next summer's competition.

"It's a great satisfaction, it was a tough group with a lot of difficult games because Poland, Montenegro and Ukraine proved tough opponents," Hodgson told ITV Sport. "I'm delighted for them, we played some good football in the first half and luckily Steven got the goal at the end, which gave Ray a chance to show his sprinting ability.

"We've been getting better all the time. One of our best performances was in our first game when we beat Montenegro 5-0 away and we have played some great stuff here.

"We always felt if we could get to these last two games and get some players back we would have a great chance."

Hodgson believes England is a more accomplished side than it was in the European championship last year, and he is sure that the best is yet to come.

"I'd like to think we're a lot better, we've been working together 18 months. Hopefully we can get better in the months leading up to Brazil," Hodgson said.