Group G preview: Pacesetters meet at Wembley
Sunday, October 10, 2010
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Something will have to give when England and Montenegro put their perfect records on the line at Wembley, while Wales and Switzerland look to ignite their campaigns.
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England and Montenegro both have 100% Group G records heading into their maiden encounter at Wembley on Tuesday. It is Zlatko Kranjčar's side who sit atop the section having played a game more but Fabio Capello's charges can go to the summit with victory on home soil. Switzerland and Wales, meanwhile, meet in Basel looking to pick up their first points of this UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign.
England v Montenegro, London
John Terry misses out with a back injury but Rio Ferdinand resumes the captaincy after returning from the knee problem that ruled him out of the FIFA World Cup. "Rio is completely fit," said Capello. "He is really good when he plays, he plays like a leader. He is important for the other players and he speaks during the game – this is important for me." Aaron Lennon (back), Phil Jagielka (hamstring) and Darren Bent (groin) have been forced to withdraw, with Stewart Downing and Gary Cahill drafted in. Arsenal FC midfielder Jack Wilshere is available having joined the senior side after Friday's UEFA European Under-21 Championship first leg against Romania.
Midfielder Milorad Peković returns from suspension for Montenegro, who secured their third straight win by beating Switzerland 1-0 on Friday. Savo Pavićević is out with a knee injury while Milan Jovanović (shoulder), Marko Baša (ankle) and Mirko Vučinić (thigh) – their match-winner against Wales and Switzerland – are doubtful for the trip to Wembley. "There is no need to speak about the tradition and strength of England," said coach Kranjčar. "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."
Switzerland v Wales, Basel
Stéphane Grichting, Valentin Stocker, Scott Sutter and Steve von Bergen sat out training on Sunday but all are expected to recover in time to provide Ottmar Hitzfeld with a fully fit squad to choose from. Goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, who missed the game in Podgorica, could also return. "Our situation does not look very good, but I am sure we will win our next two home matches," said Hitzfeld, whose team have not picked up a point in their opening two fixtures. "The situation might then be completely different. I still think we have a good chance of second place in the group."
Caretaker manager Brian Flynn is without suspended full-backs Chris Gunter and Sam Ricketts following Friday's 1-0 defeat by Bulgaria. "I hoped to get six points from two matches," said Flynn. "Our hopes of qualifying have been severely damaged. It will be tough now, but we will cajole, prepare and lift the players for the Switzerland game." Midfielder Joe Ledley misses out to be with his pregnant partner, while Hal Robson-Kanu will not travel because of a hamsting injury. Rhoys Wiggins, Shaun MacDonald and Jazz Richards have been called up to bolster Flynn's options.