England qualifies for 5th straight World Cup, beats Poland 2-0 on goals by Rooney and Gerrard

England's Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group H qualification soccer match between England and Poland at Wembley stadium in London, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (The Associated Press)

a1b867a3-Britain England Poland WCup Soccer

England's Steven Gerrard, right, scores the second goal of the game as Poland's Kamil Glik looks on during the World Cup Group H qualification soccer match between England and Poland at Wembley stadium in London, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (The Associated Press)

LONDON – England qualified for its fifth straight World Cup, beating Poland 2-0 Tuesday night on goals by Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.

Rooney scored in his seventh goal in his last six qualifiers, meeting Leighton Baines' cross in the 41st minute. Gerrard bundled the ball into the net in the 88th minute.

England (6-0-4), headed to its 14th World Cup overall, won Group H by one point over Ukraine (6-1-3), which routed last-place San Marino 8-0.

Roy Hodgson became the first English manager of the team to secure qualification since Glenn Hoddle in 1997.