Its crunch time for England if they hope to book themselves a ticket to next summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil, with the team knowing that a win tonight will take them one step closer to that dream.
England manager Roy Hodgson says the England players all know what is expected from them and expects nothing less than a win over tiny Montenegro, while at the same time hoping to see Poland beat Ukraine which together with an England victory would mean the “Three Lions” had all but qualified.
Failure to secure a win against Montenegro would set up a do or die match against Poland on Tuesday, but the England manager remains confident of taking all three points tonight.
England are the bookies favorites going into tonight’s match, but you must bear in mind that England have not beaten Montenegro in their past three encounters, and relied on a goal from Wayne Rooney during the 1-1 draw back in March when the two teams last met in Podgorica.
Montenegro will be without their star player Juventus’s Mirko Vucinic but have a solid back up in Manchester City striker Stevan Jovetic.
“I trust the players and I believe in them,” said the England boss. “I know how determined they are to do the job.
“People do doubt sometimes. They can quote the statistics. We haven’t had a marquee result. The one we had was the friendly against Brazil at home, or the draw away, but you can’t have a marquee result in a friendly.
“But we are a long way forward compared to how I felt 18 months ago. This is a perfect opportunity to prove that and improve the mood.
“The nation wants us to be in Brazil. They expect us to get them to Brazil. It cannot come quickly enough and we’ll be ready for it.”
“We are one of the big nations. We are expected to qualify for World Cups and European Championships.
“If that doesn’t happen, you’ll get criticism. If you’re wise, you realize there’ll be criticism during qualifying as well. How does anyone stay sane? The training sessions lift me.
“It is two great games and it can be four very good days. That is what I am anticipating.”
Tough team selection
England manager Roy Hodgson has made his team selection but is keeping it a secret until just before kick-off. Most England fans will be looking to see Liverpool’s in form goal scorer Daniel Sturridge to play upfront together with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney.
“It’s one of the hardest selection weeks,” said Hodgson. “There are so many senior players available who haven’t always been there and the younger ones aren’t just here to learn the ropes.
“I’ve had to give it a lot of thought, but it’s clear in my head. I fear I will (break hearts). There is no easy way.
“People are as enthusiastic as you want them to be, but when you tell them they’re not in its hard.
“I take the more experienced players to one side, if I can. You can’t do it with the newer members of the squad, who might not have the same aspirations to play, but if you’re counting on playing; they are the ones I take aside.
“We’re ready for it. We believe in ourselves, trust in each other, have the right determination and motivation. What more can I say to describe where we are?”
