World Cup qualifying: England held to draw in Montenegro

World Cup qualifying: England held to draw in Montenegro
England's road to World Cup qualification remains uncertain as Montenegro fought back to earn a well-deserved draw in Podgorica. Wayne Rooney put England ahead with an early header, his fifth goal in six games he has played for England since Euro 2012. England were the better side in the first half but they failed to capitalise on that superiority and they were punished for a rather poor performance in the second half. Montenegro were pushing forward and they finally got the goal they deserved when substitute Dejan Damjanovic scored with 13 minutes left on the clock. Rooney granted England a good start as he created a great chance when he chipped the ball past goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic but saw it bounce off the post while Glen Johnson's long range shot was diverted by the goalie. England struck when Gerrard's corner kick was met by Rooney with a precise header which ended into the back of the net. England continued to press forward and James Milner fired wide before Rooney's assist just missed Danny Welbeck in front of goal. Then Rooney was unable to push in Milner's cross at the far post before Welbeck was booked for diving after falling inside the area on a challenge from Stefan Savic. Montenegro started playing much better in the second half and Stevan Jovetic had the first chance as he headed into the side netting while Mirko Vucinic was unable to find the target after intercepting Joleon Lescott's clearance. Joe Hart gave boss Roy Hodgson further headaches when he fumbled Vucinic's shot between his legs but eventually held the ball. The Manchester City goalie did a much better job to deny Jovetic later on but Montenegro equalised on 77 minutes through Damjanovic. Gerrard could have rescued the three points for England but his stoppage time free kick was parried by Bozovic. Montenegro lead the group table on 14 points while England are two points behind them in second place. Poland and Ukraine have 8 points apiece but they have a game in hand on both Montenegro and England. Roy Hodgson's team will play the next qualification matches in September, when they face Moldova at home and tricky Ukraine away.
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