England vs Montenegro EURO 2012: Prediction and Preview for Group G Match

Needing only one point to advance to Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, England travel south to face Montenegro at Podgorica City Stadium on Friday.

Should Montenegro defeat England and then get a victory over Switzerland on Tuesday, Montenegro and England would play a two-leg playoff. However, England has been one of the most efficient clubs in qualifying, and the chances of Three Lions rolling over is very slim.

The last meeting between England and Montenegro ended 0-0 at Wembley Stadium. England manager Fabio Capello is not interested in a draw.

We are going to win this game, not for the draw, said Capello, to FATV. If you play for a draw it is a big mistake. You are not focused on the game. You are playing to defend the result. When you do that you make some silly mistakes. You need to play the same style as all the other away games.

Capello has an interesting situation with his attack. According to ESPN, Capello has recalled Bobby Zamora, and the Fulham striker might be the starter to be paired with Wayne Rooney. Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck are also possibilities at forward.

Welbeck has proven to be a bright young star for England, and has been particularly effective next to Rooney at Manchester United.

England has five wins and two draws in seven matches in Group G. Montenegro has three wins, two draws, and one loss in six matches, and is in second place in the group.

With the dismissal of head coach Zlatko Kranjcar, Montenegro has turned to assistant Branko Brnovic last month. The loss to Wales on September 2, was a major setback.

Montenegro is led by Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic. The 28-year-old captain has scored 11 goals in 21 appearances for Montenegro, and has been a force in Serie A.

Capello's squad will also need to keep an eye on Stevan Jovetic. The 21-year-old winger is considered among the best young players in Europe, and is capable of giving defenders fits.

PREDICTION: England has too much pride to play for a tie, so they will be striking for most of the match, and will get a goal from a rested Wayne Rooney. However, Vucinic will strike back in the second half. England will then spend the final minutes playing for a tie, as their attack will struggle under a stronger than expected Montenegro defense.

PREDICTED SCORE: Montenegro 1, England 1