England 2 Poland 0: Prime Minister David Cameron leads the praise after England book place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

England internationals Andros Townsend and Wayne Rooney also express their delight while Joey Barton gives his latest opinion

David Cameron praised Roy Hodgson's England side for qualifying for next year's World Cup in Brazil (GETTY IMAGES)

Prime Minister David Cameron led the applause for Roy Hodgson's England after they secured their place at next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The Three Lions beat Poland 2-0 at Wembley to finish as Group H winners and book their flights to South America.

Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard scored the goals on a memorable night at the national stadium.

"Proud to see England qualify for the World Cup in Brazil," Cameron Tweeted.

Midfielder Andros Townsend, who made his England debut against Montenegro on Friday before playing a starring role against Poland, expressed his delight.

"Great win tonight! Can't believe I've played a part in helping my country getting to a World Cup!! #getin #imustbedreaming," he Tweeted.

Rooney also took to the social networking site to say: "What a night. Great game to play in and great result. Fans were unbelievable tonight. Thank you. #Brasil2014."

Ex-England international Rio Ferdinand joined those praising Hodgson's men.

"Qualifying campaign completed....onto Brazil!" said the Manchester United defender, who retired from international duty earlier this year.

QPR midfielder Joey Barton, who only last week described the England team as "s***", had a different opinion on Tuesday: "Captains goal that. Nervy 2nd half but qualification is whats vital. Credit to Hodgson tonight. Bold selection. Townsend MOM for me," he wrote on Twitter.

Former England captain Terry Butcher, covering the game for ITV, said: "I'm shattered. That's the longest 90 minutes of my life.

"It was on a knife edge and one from Poland could have made it a different story.

"But Captain Marvel (Gerrard) has taken us all the way to Brazil."

Former England defender Phil Neville, whose brother Gary is one of Hodgson's assistants, Tweeted: "Great England performance-the best I've seen in a long time-energy pace positive attacking play!!"

Michael Owen, a veteran of three World Cups, added: "Well done Roy and The Boys. Job done."

Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who will be hoping to force his way into Hodgson's plans ahead of Brazil, Tweeted: "England have been outstanding tonight!. Congrats to england tonight! Deserved to top the group after the 2 last performances."

Midfielder Tom Cleverley, a regular during qualifying but injured on Tuesday, added: "Get in there you beauty! Well in boys!"

Ex-international striker Emile Heskey said: "Congratulations to the England lads, never any doubt about Brazil #ThreeLions."

Nigel Martyn, a World Cup veteran as a back-up goalkeeper, praised Hodgson.

"Well done Roy hodgson well done England played these last 2 games with real passion and tempo," he Tweeted.

Injured full-back Glen Johnson, likely to be part of the squad for Brazil, said: "Well done lads! Big result. #BrazilHereWeCome."

PA