England and Montenegro have both won every game they have played so far in qualifying, meaning the winner of this clash will adopt pole position in Group G.
England have dispatched Switzerland and Bulgaria in impressive fashion netting seven goals in the process. Montenegro have registered successive 1-0 victories over Wales, Bulgaria and Switzerland. England have had many recent problems with injury at center back and that trend continued this week.
Chelsea captain John Terry has withdrawn from the squad with a back injury, Phil Jagielka is also unavailable. Bolton defender Gary Cahill is a leading candidate to step up in Terry’s place alongside Rio Ferdinand. Jermain Defoe will be missing for England, but Wayne Rooney could be fit after struggling with an ankle injury.
Darren Bent, Peter Crouch and surprise call up Kevin Davies are all candidates to partner Rooney. The England attack will be supported by young winger Adam Johnson, who scored in successive games against Switzerland and Bulgaria.
Montenegro have surprised and impressed many observers with the way they have started group play. A string defensive line that is yet to concede is complemented by the scoring talents of Mirko Vucinic, who netted game winning goals against Wales and Switzerland.
The visitors will be buoyed by the return of Milorad Pekovic who returns from suspension. Montenegro coach Zlatko Krancjar is well aware of the difficulty a trip to England posses, but will know any kind of result is a huge boost to their qualification hopes. “There is no need to speak about the tradition and strength of England. We respect them very, very much but we are not afraid. We have nothing to lose, so let’s play football, enjoy the moment and try to spring another surprise,” Krancjar told the UEFA website.
KEY PLAYERS
Adam Johnson (England) – the young Manchester City winger is a newcomer to the England setup but showed his worth by scoring in successive games to open Group G play. England are often accused of being predictable and overly relying on Wayne Rooney in attack, Johnson can change that as he possesses attacking flair, lightning pace and the ability to beat players off the dribble. Johnson is capable of stretching the Montenegro backline and taking some pressure off Rooney and the other strikers.
Mirko Vucinic (Montenegro) – Roma forward Vucinic is extremely skilled, a good finisher and could well be a difficult proposition for an England backline without Terry. Vucinic has netted two game winning goals so far in qualification and is the perfect spearhead to the solid defensive unit of Montenegro. The dangerous forward also has a flair for the unexpected, and Wembley Stadium could be treated to unusual celebrations should he find the net Tuesday night. After scoring the winner against Switzerland, Vucinic celebrated by removing his shorts and placing them over his head!
Chelsea captain John Terry has withdrawn from the squad with a back injury, Phil Jagielka is also unavailable. Bolton defender Gary Cahill is a leading candidate to step up in Terry’s place alongside Rio Ferdinand. Jermain Defoe will be missing for England, but Wayne Rooney could be fit after struggling with an ankle injury.
Darren Bent, Peter Crouch and surprise call up Kevin Davies are all candidates to partner Rooney. The England attack will be supported by young winger Adam Johnson, who scored in successive games against Switzerland and Bulgaria.
Montenegro have surprised and impressed many observers with the way they have started group play. A string defensive line that is yet to concede is complemented by the scoring talents of Mirko Vucinic, who netted game winning goals against Wales and Switzerland.
The visitors will be buoyed by the return of Milorad Pekovic who returns from suspension. Montenegro coach Zlatko Krancjar is well aware of the difficulty a trip to England posses, but will know any kind of result is a huge boost to their qualification hopes. “There is no need to speak about the tradition and strength of England. We respect them very, very much but we are not afraid. We have nothing to lose, so let’s play football, enjoy the moment and try to spring another surprise,” Krancjar told the UEFA website.
KEY PLAYERS
Adam Johnson (England) – the young Manchester City winger is a newcomer to the England setup but showed his worth by scoring in successive games to open Group G play. England are often accused of being predictable and overly relying on Wayne Rooney in attack, Johnson can change that as he possesses attacking flair, lightning pace and the ability to beat players off the dribble. Johnson is capable of stretching the Montenegro backline and taking some pressure off Rooney and the other strikers.
Mirko Vucinic (Montenegro) – Roma forward Vucinic is extremely skilled, a good finisher and could well be a difficult proposition for an England backline without Terry. Vucinic has netted two game winning goals so far in qualification and is the perfect spearhead to the solid defensive unit of Montenegro. The dangerous forward also has a flair for the unexpected, and Wembley Stadium could be treated to unusual celebrations should he find the net Tuesday night. After scoring the winner against Switzerland, Vucinic celebrated by removing his shorts and placing them over his head!
