England conceded in the 92nd minutes as Poland's Damian Szymanski surpassed Luke Shaw to go home
England's players collapsed to their knees as chaos broke out in Warsaw's Stadion Narodowy. This was the moment Poland won in a chaotic final moments.
Gareth Southgate's team defended Harry Kane’s brilliant goal, which put them on the verge of winning a sixth consecutive victory in the qualifying campaign for the World Cup in Qatar next year. They displayed a commendable level of calm and maturity.
Then it was taken away in injury time when the great Poland striker Robert Lewandowski displayed his class as both a creator and a marksman, sending Damian Szymanski the perfect invitation to pass Jordan Pickford, England's keeper.
Warsaw celebrated with a wall sound that was repeated minutes later. Poland felt like they had won, while England felt defeated.
But, England's point is still a valuable step in Qatar's journey. It is difficult to imagine anything that could prevent them from reaching the World Cup.
Southgate will have to answer questions as the goal was scored by poor defense. Kyle Walker recklessly dived in as danger grew before Szymanski could raise concerns about Luke Shaw.
There will be disappointment that England failed to produce the final product after so much possession.
Southgate should have looked to his bench as Poland's late surge gained momentum. Perhaps with Jordan Henderson, or Trent Alexander-Arnold, to calm down an increasingly frantic final.
It was quite remarkable that England did not use a substitute since the Euro 96 semifinal against Germany.
Gareth Southgate stated that he was in complete control of the situation. There was no problem. So why would he make substitutions? When asked why he did not make substitutions on BBC Radio 5 Live, Southgate replied: "We were in total control, there was no issue, why disrupt it when you're in control?"
These are the negatives Southgate should be aware of, but the truth is that England had much to love about its display.
Southgate will be happy that England's players don't seem to be still reeling from the Euro 2020 Final loss to penalties to Italy. They have rebounded well with a fine win in Hungary, and the eventual defeat of Andorra at Wembley.
England was only moments away from successfully navigating this difficult assignment. This included a visit to Poland with a team that had serious plans for qualification.
This was an England performance that was responsible and disciplined, which would have earned them praise if they had won. Although Poland's late equaliser changed the landscape, there were still many creditable moments.
England was playing in front of more than 56,000 hostile fans, mainly Polish fans.
They did a great job and were able to deal with Poland's physical approach. Kamil Glik, their favorite warrior, is an example of how they dealt with it.
Jack Grealish thought he was fouled by the English man and so the centre-back gave him a quick lecture. After a row following the half-time whistle, Harry Maguire also joined him in the book.
Before half-time, Kamil Glik from Poland was involved in an argument with Harry Maguire
England held the line to control large portions of the second half. However, they didn't take too many chances.
Despite all of this, they only had Kane’s goal to defend. They were left open to the punch on the nose by Poland, and Southgate will rue another loss by England.
Southgate found it annoying that they were caught between two stools, not knowing if to protect the lead or finish Poland off. They did not do either, and it has happened before.
England will not consider this a bad outcome given the circumstances and the atmosphere. It could have been much worse, but it could have been even better.
Southgate appears to be settling down, but there are still quality players to call on. The possibility of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham making his way into the side is particularly intriguing.
England is in a strong place to reach Qatar, but this will be seen as one that got away. This is made more disappointing by its late escape.
The outlook is bright and positive with Andorra and Hungary away, followed by Albania and San Marino at home in October.
Although England was disappointed by the draw in Warsaw, the World Cup qualification prize remains within their reach.
