If there is a checklist that England must tick off on their way to becoming bona fide Euro 2020 contenders, then an important step awaits here tonight.
They have ridden a wave of goodwill and positivity generated by last summer’s run to the World Cup semi-finals but that generosity of spirit will be in short supply as 15,000 locals attempt to rattle a young visiting team.
This marks England’s third away game of the season. The first was a 0-0 draw in Croatia and the second yielded one of the most remarkable results in their recent history, winning 3-2 in Spain.
That performance silenced doubts about England’s ability to beat the best in difficult circumstances and while the atmosphere in Seville provided a strong test of character, it did not carry the hostile edge that will greet them this evening.
Montenegro have received punishments for several incidents involving fans’ behaviour at Gradski Stadion, including the time a Polish goalkeeper was hit by a seat in 2012, Joe Hart being pelted with missiles when England drew here in 2013 and a flare striking goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev during a Euro 2016 qualifier which resulted in a stadium ban and a 3-0 walkover awarded to Russia.
Perhaps, most memorably, Wayne Rooney was sent off as England drew 2-2 to qualify for Euro 2012, reacting to several provocative moments and earning a suspension — later reduced on appeal — which became a distracting element to the build up for that tournament.
Against Croatia in Rijeka last October, there were no fans at all, due to more Uefa sanctions. In Spain, the locals were silenced by a stunning first-half performance. Tonight, they will not relent.
A group called Crnogorska Navijacka Scena (CNS) last week posted an Instagram warning England to expect a “hellish atmosphere” and what awaits them here will feel a world removed from Friday’s joyous 5-0 romp against Czech Republic at Wembley.
“It is something we have talked about a lot,” said England manager Gareth Southgate. “Our undoing has often been a lack of discipline in matches, so that’s expected of this group now. They have to respond in the right way, stay calm in those moments.
“When you travel away, one of the biggest opportunities for the opposition is if you are down to 10 [men]. We have got to make sure we don’t allow them that.
“It is really intense and passionate local support. Equally, that is often the way when you travel in Europe and play qualifying ties away from home. I think it is a really good experience for the younger players and to see how they come through it.”
Kyle Walker is the only player to have experienced this particular European outpost before, as an unused substitute six years ago, and Southgate revealed he addressed the group to share his experiences in what is likely to be a changed line-up from Friday.
Eric Dier’s hip injury forces at least one alteration, with Ross Barkley likely to start in central midfield, while late checks are required on Jordan Henderson (ankle), Dele Alli (hamstring) and Jadon Sancho, who has been described as “a bit tight after Friday”.
“I think I will make some changes because freshness can improve the team,” Southgate told Standard Sport. “The difference in some of the positions is so close in terms of who we would pick, so a fresher player will bring us more. But I don’t want to make heaps of changes. We’ve obviously got to make one with Eric missing, but I’ve got to get that balance right.”
The most obvious positions to switch would be the full-backs. Kieran Trippier has struggled for form at Tottenham this season but remains in substantial credit with England, given his impressive displays at the World Cup, while Danny Rose has a case for replacing Ben Chilwell on the left.
England have only won one of four meetings against Montenegro and although some of the more rational locals are pessimistic about their chances, Southgate is still wary of the threat they pose, even without the injured Stevan Jovetic.
Montenegro drew 1-1 with Bulgaria on Friday, denied victory by a controversial 82nd-minute penalty for a foul which TV replays proved was outside the box.
“They should have won the game,” said Southgate. “It was a strange decision that was given for the penalty. We know that they’re very strong, particularly on the counter. We have to prepare to deal with some longer balls, early balls forward. And the weaknesses, we have to try to exploit. But it’s not right to speak about them.”
A victory here would back up Friday’s success and ensure England take early control of Group A in their final outing before attempting to win the Nations League.
Minds are already racing thinking what is possible for England at that tournament as Southgate’s revolution continues apace. Negotiating a successful path through this tricky encounter would only enhance that feeling.
