England vs Montenegro - Half time report
Score line 0-0
Starting XI Montenegero: Mladen Bozovic, Marko Basa, Milan Jovanovic, Miodrag Djudovic, Stefan Savic, Simon Vukcevic, Elsad Zverotic, Branko Boskovic, Mitar Novakovic, Milorad Pekovic, Radomir Djalovic
SUBS Srdjan Blazic, Radoslav Batak, Mladen Kascelan, Fatos Beciraj, Zarko Tomasevic, Luka Pejovic, Andrija Delibasic
Starting XI England: Joe Hart, Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, Joleon Lescott, Ashley Cole Adam Johnson, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry, Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch
SUBS Ben Foster, Stephen Warnock, Gary Cahill, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jack Wilshere, Stewart Downing, Kevin Davies
England hosted Montenegro in this Euro 2012 qualifier. Both sides have not lost a single match so far in the qualifying campaign and the victor of this encounter will surely be the topper of group F. Owing to multiple injury issues for Fabio Capello, a very different starting lineup has been installed by the Italian. Manchester City centre back Joleon Lescott partnered Rio Ferdinand at the back while Ashley Young has been given his first start. Both wings have the pace and agility needed for almost all wide position players. With Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe out of the clash owing to injury, Peter Crouch and Wayne Rooney spearhead the attack.
It was an evenly balanced first half for the Three Lions. The side could manage to make only one decent attempt on goal. A floating corner kick was taken by Adam Johnson in the 34th minute and Peter Crouch took headed the ball over the keepers head. Apart from this attack, Montenegro has managed to defend in numbers and have not let much past through. Something much more artistic and courageous is needed from the Three Lions in order to penetrate a strong opposition. Wayne Rooney would be expected to contribute along with Steven Gerrard as the side lack the much needed creativity in midfield. In form winger Adam Johnson is also expected to step up and do one of his famous solo runs in order to finding the opening goal of the game.
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