The result was not what Aidy Boothroyd wanted; there were elements of the performance, meanwhile, that will have left him shaking his head.

But it is likely there will come a point during the build-up to England’s assault on the Under 21 European Championships when the head coach will think about this night in Bristol and realise he has a group of players that can go all the way.

A 1-1 draw with Poland might not send a message across the continent but those who study the highlights of this interesting friendly will not fail to see that England has an abundance of attacking talent that could light up the championships.

Had it not been for some bad luck and inspired goalkeeping, England – inspired by the wonderful passing of Phil Foden and the electric surges of Reiss Nelson and Ademola Lookman – would have flattened their visitors.

It was quickly apparent this would not be a mundane contest. Poland, roared on by 2000 ex-patriots, had three chances in the first three minutes as England’s defenders made silly mistakes and struggled to gather their composure.

Soon, though, they were on the front foot with Foden elegantly pulling strings. He created England’s first chance in the fifth minute with a pass that could have come straight from the repertoire of his Manchester City team-mate David Silva. Calvert-Lewin, really, should have applied a finish.

The Everton striker quickly made amends as in the 13th minute Jay Da Silva invited Nelson to scurry forward and the Arsenal winger, who is on loan at Hoffenheim, went around goalkeeper Kamil Grabara to set up a chance that Calvert-Lewin could not miss.

England tried to consolidate their lead and went close to extending it thanks to a thumping drive from Everton right back Jonjoe Kenny but they were pegged back, spectacularly, in the 34th minute when Legia Warsaw forward Sebastian Szymanski bent a 30-yard free-kick into the top corner.

After the break, England laid siege to Poland’s goal but the closest they came to a breakthrough was a shot from Kenny that Grabara turned on to the post after some glorious passing. If they are saving the goals for the tournament, Boothroyd will not complain.