Euro 2012 Qualifiers: Group G Preview
In the Group G of Euro 2012 Qualifiers, England takes on Montenegro at the Wembley Stadium on Tuesday while Switzerland will face Wales.
Currently, both England and Montenegro hold a 100% record in the qualifiers but, it is Montenegro which is above England at the moment as the side has played a game more than the three Lions.
England, on the other hand, have the advantage and should they win in London on Tuesday, they can easily top the group. Switzerland and Wales also head into their bottom table clash with both sides looking for their first points of the qualifiers.
England vs. Montenegro at Wembley:
Team News for the Three Lions
England have a long list of injuries. Only recently, their former skipper, John Terry has been ruled out owing to his back injury while Aaron Lennon (back) and Phil Jagielka (hamstring) are also in the list of unavailable players for this clash. Steward
Downing and Gary Cahill have thus made the cut.
However, there is some good news as well as Manchester United's centre-back; Rio Ferdinand would be available after fully recovering from a knee injury which ruled him out of this summer’s World Cup. Also, Gunners' midfielder, Jack Wilshere is available
for selection, who recently featured in the U-21 Euro Championship.
Darren Bent has also been included in the side along with the surprise entry of Kevin Davies. Sunderland's striker Bent was happy with his inclusion in the side. He stated that getting a win-win start in the first two matches has really lifted everyone at
the Three Lions' camp and it is the perfect side. Bent added that all he hopes from his side is to keep the momentum going and secure their third win to clinch the first place.
Team News for Montenegro
Milorad Pekovic would be available for the clash against the Three Lions, as the midfielder returns from suspension. Montenegro recorded their third straight win of the qualifiers when they defeated Switzerland 1-0 this weekend.
However, Savo Pavicevic (knee), Milan Jovanovic (shoulder) and Marko Basa (ankle) are not expected to feature against the Three Lions due to their injuries.
"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", stated the Montenegro coach.
Switzerland vs. Wales at Basel:
Team News for Switzerland
The Swiss side was without Stephane Gricjting, Valentin Stocker, Scott Sutter and Steve Von Bergen in the training session that took place this Sunday. But, they still have time to prove their fitness by Tuesday and Swiss coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld may well
have a fully fit side to choose against Wales.
The manager stated that although their current position doesn’t look too good but still, he is sure that they can produce a string of good results while playing at home. The Swiss haven't managed to pick up even a single point in their fixtures so far but
the manager is hopeful that playing at home would turn things around for them. Hitzfeld is confident that his side still has the chance to finish in the top two of the Group.
Team News for Wales
The Welsh caretaker manager, Brian Flynn has confirmed the unavailability of Chris Gunter and Sam Ricketts, who are expected to sit out the match owing to their suspension. Flynn said that their straight losses have depleted their chances to qualify but
he still vowed to live up to the toughness and train hard for the match against Switzerland.
The midfield genius, Joe Ledley has also pulled out owing to his family obligations while Robson Kanu is unavailable owing to his hamstring pull.
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