International

England Ease Past Montenegro

2 Oct 11, 2013 - 11:00 pm

By Diogo Peral

England remained on course in their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a 4-1 win at home to Montenegro on Friday night.

Wayne Rooney had the first chance eight minutes into the game but the on-form Manchester United striker's effort from distance was deflected off target.

Steven Gerrard then hammered a shot well over in the 19th minute before Danny Welbeck was denied by the goalkeeper after a good run and pass by Leighton Baines.

The pressure was all coming from the home side and in the 33rd minute Gerrard unleashed a ferocious drive which the goalkeeper did well to push away for a corner.

The Liverpool midfielder hit another shot straight at the goalkeeper in the 37th minute while Rooney hit the post in the 40th minute after Andros Townsend's effort was parried.

The Three Lions finished the half strongly with Welbeck firing just wide while Sturridge sliced an effort off target and Rooney saw his attempt blocked as the game remained stuck at 0-0.

England started the second-half with more pressure and their reward came within five minutes as Rooney tucked away the opener after Welbeck was denied by the goalkeeper.

Joe Hart did well to keep out a header in the 56th minute while Townsend drew a smart save at the other end in the 59th minute.

Montenegro then fell two behind in the 62nd minute when Boskovic turned the ball past his own goalkeeper in comical fashion after good work from Sturridge and Welbeck.

Stevan Jovetic hit the crossbar in the 64th minute while Gerrard missed a sitter after being set up unselfishly by Rooney.

A series of chances for England were wasted and that was punished when Damjanovic diverted a shot past Hart to make things tense at Wembley.

Townsend would restore calm in the 78th minute though with a cracking finish from 25 yards out and Sturridge would wrap up the result with a late penalty for the home side.