England take on Montenegro on Friday night knowing that three points would leave them on the brink of qualification for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Three Lions go into the Group H clash with the weight of the nation on their shoulders. They were expected to progress from a modest group with ease but their fate hangs in the balance with two games to go.
England are yet to beat one of the bigger sides, with all four wins coming against minnows Moldova and San Marino. They will need to leave Wembley victorious at least once in the next week to qualify.
Montenegro represent the first hurdle. The players will be well aware they could make history by becoming the first squad to take their country to a major tournament.
England have never beaten Montenegro, with all three previous meetings ending in stalemates. It has the makings of a difficult evening for the hosts.
Roy Hodgson’s side cannot afford a slip-up with both Montenegro and Ukraine just one point behind. They will need to dig deep while showing more quality than they did in their goalless draw in Kiev last month.
England struggled to keep hold of the ball and posed no real threat, a concern with must-win matches on the horizon. However, they have been boosted by the return of in-form strikers.
Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge are back from injury, while Danny Welbeck is available after serving a one-game ban. Add Rickie Lambert and Jermain Defoe into the mix and Hodgson suddenly has attacking options.
The midfield looks strong, with the experience of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard complemented by exciting youngsters Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley.
The defence lacks experience, particularly in the absence of the injured Ashley Cole, but Hodgson will be confident the defenders at his disposal will be good enough to keep Montenegro at bay.
Odds of 1/3 with BetVictor for England to win Group H show they have more than enough to beat Branko Brnovic’s men before dealing with Poland. It is just a question of the Three Lions holding their nerve.