Wayne Rooney maintains getting to the World Cup again with England was all that mattered as the Manchester United forward continued his fine form in the 2-0 win over Poland at Wembley.
Rooney's inch-perfect header from Leighton Baines' cross just before half-time had set England on their way, with captain Steven Gerrard firing in a late second goal to cap what was another swashbuckling effort from Roy Hodgson's team to secure top spot in Group H.
Rooney has now scored nine goals in his last 10 England matches, with Gerrard claiming his form will be "key" to the nation's hopes of making an impact in Brazil next summer.
For Rooney, though, it is all about collective achievement.
"It has been a good qualifying campaign for myself, but the aim was to qualify, which is what is more important," said Rooney, who now has 38 England goals.
"I just need to keep working and hopefully that will continue for the rest of the season.
"Someone was asking me before about it being extra motivation, but it definitely was not because qualifying for a World Cup is all the motivation you need, it does not matter whatever country you are, you want to be there."
Rooney had been wearing protective headgear since returning after he sustained a gashed scalp, but it had fallen off just before he scored.
"I went up for a header just before then and it (his headband) got knocked off and then I chased back and it was still up there, so I didn't have time to go back and get it and put it on," he said.
"It probably helped me in some ways that it was off when the ball came in because I could direct it better with it off and obviously it was great.
"I think it was the first time I've headed it without it on so hopefully, come the weekend, I won't have to wear it."
Rooney believes England answered a lot of questions as they produced performances at Wembley when it mattered against first Montenegro and then Poland.
"The last two games were always going to be pressure because we needed the six points, but we have dealt with that quite well and put in two good performances," he said.
"It was enjoyable as well for everyone watching, so we are just really pleased to have managed to qualify."
Source: PA
