THE England defeat is history and there is no point "harping on about it", says Wales skipper Gary Speed.

The 35-year-old Bolton midfielder is hurting as much as anyone over the manner of Wales' capitulation at Old Trafford, but the insists the focus is now on gaining three points against Poland tomorrow.

"After a bad result and performance the first thing you want to do is play again and especially as this one is so important," Speed said.

"It's gone now and you can look back and learn from it, but there's no point in harping on about it.

"You have got to look forward and try to put in a good performance against Poland."

Speed has plenty of experience and is fully aware of the magnitude of the match.

Failure to win might not put the final nail in Wales' World Cup coffin, but it would certainly leave them on life support.

He said: "It is a massive game for us and we an not underestimating the fact that we need three points. "It would make it very difficult to qualify if we didn't.

"But if we win we are back in it and it means that whoever comes in for Mark (Hughes) can hit the ground running."

Speaking of a new boss, Speed would not be drawn on speculation linking his name with the forthcoming vacancy.

He said: "I honestly haven't thought about it. I am still concentrating on playing football.

"The job is going to come around soon, but as a footballer you can't think about these things.

"There is a big game coming up and I want to think about that. We want to win the game for Mark and for ourselves and the people of Wales, and to still give us a chance in the group.

"Every time you put on a Welsh shirt you want to put in a performance."