Brnović in awe of opposite number Capello

Branko Brnović goes into his first game as Montenegro coach against England in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifing Group G in awe of opposite number Fabio Capello.

The 44-year-old was Zlatko Kranjčar's assistant until his departure after the defeat by Wales in September. He will be giving away years in experience to Capello who has managed the likes of AC Milan, Real Madrid CF, AS Roma and Juventus in a coaching career spanning two decades.

"I admire and respect everything that Fabio Capello did in his career and he must be a role model for every young coach," said Brnović, whose Montenegro side are six points adrift of England at the section summit. "On Friday, we will be in the same position, coaching 11 players who will try to win a very important match. So my goal is not to beat Capello because the most important thing is that Montenegro beat England. If that happens, the players will be heroes, not me."

Although Capello's side need just a point in Podgorica to book their place alongside Spain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and hosts Poland and Ukraine at next summer's final tournament, Brnović is wary of an attacking England side containing in-form Wayne Rooney. "I am absolutely sure that England won't play for a draw," he said.

"Their football mentality and pride are different. They will come for three points but I hope Wayne Rooney doesn't play. He is a magnificent player, one of the best in the world and it will be almost a mission impossible to stop him. Without Rooney, our chances of getting a positive result will be much bigger."

Montenegro were top of the group after winning a point against England at Wembley Stadium in October, but a draw at home to Bulgaria and defeat in Wales means they could go into their final qualifier against Switzerland in Basel needing to avoid defeat just to finish as runners-up.

"We missed a big chance against Bulgaria and Wales but I still believe that we can make it," added Brnović, who welcomes back Savo Pavičević from suspension. Marko Baša, Miodrag Džudović and Milan Jovanović return from injury to take their place in the 24-man squad.

"Everybody knows who the England coach is and who plays for England, but in 90 minutes anything could happen," said Brnović. "After all, we showed that last year at Wembley, where we got a deserved point. Miracles can happen only if you believe in them. England are huge favorites, so I must be focused not only for that match, but also for our trip to Switzerland, which could be decisive game for our EURO 2012 ambitions."