Montenegro Vs England Preview - Euro 2012 Qualifier - Will England Seal Qualification?

England will require just a point against Montenegro, to book their spot in the Euro 2012 Finals next summer, on Friday at the Podgorica Stadium.

England come to this game after securing an unconvincing 1-0 victory against Wales at Wembley last month, when Ashley Young's goal separated the two sides. However, they sit at the top of Group G, after an unbeaten seven games of which they won five. Although only a point is required, manager Fabio Capello stated that he would send out his side with intentions of attacking their way to victory.

Capello and his team have had to play down speculation surrounding the mind-state of star striker Wayne Rooney after news broke on Thursday claiming his father was part of a betting scam. Reports coming out of Podgorica, however, state that Rooney is relaxed.

Montenegro have had an excellent run so far, in their own right, and sit at second in the table with a game in hand over England. That game will be played on Tuesday against Switzerland and they'll know that they can secure a spot for the Finals if they grab victories in their two remaining matches.

However, having taken only one point in two qualifiers - a return that saw head coach Zlatko Kranjcar sacked - they've lost their early form and will need to be on their toes to keep out England, who boast a good away record.

When the two sides played each other last October, the result was a goalless draw. However, that is unlikely to be the case this time around.

Team News

Chris Smalling's injury means Manchester United team-mate Phil Jones could be tested at right back. Micah Richards and Kyle Walker are also options. Capello is also expected to partner Danny Welbeck up front with Wayne Rooney.

Montenegro will welcome both Stevan Jovetic and Mirko Vucinic and they could cause quite a few problems for England's central-defensive pairing of John Terry and Gary Cahill.

Predicition

England 2-1 Montenegro