England goalkeeper Joe Hart takes blame for conceding equaliser against Poland

Goalkeeper Joe Hart took the blame for conceding the equalising goal as England had to be content with a 1-1 draw from their delayed World Cup qualifier against Poland.

Hart failed to make contact when he came to punch clear a corner which allowed Kamil Gilk head in and cancel out Wayne Rooney's first-half opener with 20 minutes left.

"I came and didn't get there and the lad did a decent header," Hart told ITV.

"It's my fault, I should have punch it or stayed in goal. I didn't do either and it cost us."

Regarding the result, Hart added: "We've got to believe that's a good point. It's a tough place to come."

England boss Roy Hodgson conceded the performance was one of his side's worst since he took charge in the summer.

Despite that, the point kept England top of the standings and Hodgson believes it could be vital when the group is decided.

"I don't think it was one of our better performances," he said.

"There were lots of factors for that situation.

"It was a soggy pitch, a pitch suited to long balls rather than a passing game. There was also the extra 36 hours or whatever we've had to stay after the rain yesterday.

"Having said that I'm pleased with the point. I think a point here away when the group is decided next October may be good."

Asked if his side gave away possession too cheaply, he added: "We gave the ball away a number of times but so did the Polish. We can excuse the players because of surface.

"It wasn't one of our better performances but we did get the result. It does give me heart that we still showed character."

Steven Gerrard admitted Poland had adapted to pitch conditions better than England.

"I thought they handled the pitch better than us, which is disappointing but we're not going to grumble," he said.

"We're disappointed not to take three points and our points tally at this stage could be better.

"But a point here is not a bad result."

PA