England needed just a point from their final group stage match against Montenegro, and, well, they got it. They also ended up getting it fairly easily - Ashley Young gave them an 11th minute lead after finishing up a neat cross from Theo Walcott at the far post, and the Manchester United winger set up former club teammate Darren Bent to double the advantage shortly thereafter. And then, well, sailing was no longer smooth.
Montenegro Vs. England, 2012 European Championship Qualification: England Edge Through Despite Wayne Rooney Red Card
Montenegro pulled one back against the run of play when a deflected Elsad Zverotic shot wiggled its way past a wrong-footed Joe Hart at the stroke of halftime, and, well, things went very wrong for England shortly thereafter. So assured in the first half, the visitors were awful in the second. Ashley Young was forced off due to injury. Wayne Rooney was forced off due to being an idiot, kicking out at Miodrag Dzudovic after losing the ball and receiving a straight red card for his troubles. England were under the cosh for the remainder of the game, and were lucky in several instances not to have conceded a penalty, but fortunately for the guests, Montenegro's second didn't come until the very end of the game, when the draw no longer mattered.
So, England are through. They’ll be without the services of Wayne Rooney for a good chunk of their group stage matches this summer, however, which will especially irk Fabio Capello as it was for no reason at all. Montenegro are not through yet, but results elsewhere mean that the hosts have a good chance of qualifying for the the playoffs anyway.
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