Montenegro not shown 'enough respect' by England claims Dejan Damjanovic

Striker Dejan Damjanovic has claimed England did not show Montenegro "enough respect" when the teams first met at Wembley as they prepare for the Euro 2012 qualifier in Podgorica tomorrow.

England can qualify for next summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine if they avoid defeat tomorrow as they lead their hosts by six points having played one more game than Montenegro.

The hosts enjoyed a flying start to their campaign in Group G with three wins and a draw - against England - but they were undermined when they took one point from games against Bulgaria and Wales.

Coach Zlatko Kranjcar departed and was replaced by assistant Branko Brnovic who will lead his side against Fabio Capello's team having earlier this week described the Italian as "a role model for every young coach".

However, England will face a team who they feel were not afforded the respect they were due during the goalless draw at Wembley this time last year.

Damjanovic, who plays for FC Seoul in South Korea, told reporters at a news conference: "At Wembley, they didn't play seriously against us.

"England didn't show us enough respect.

"They probably thought they would beat us easily but, to be honest, they played pretty badly and we were unbelievable.

"Maybe they thought the game would be easy.

"If we defend well we could do something special against England but, this time, England will take us totally seriously.

"Montenegro have so many good players and if you are not playing 100% you can't beat anyone."

Damjanovic identified striker Wayne Rooney as England's greatest strength and said the team would try to put the Manchester United forward off his game from the start.

"We will try to press him, upset him so he does not have a good match."

"We hope that he will not be as motivated as in Manchester.

"I believe that we will approach the game as professional as possible."

England are likely to face a hostile atmosphere in Podgorica and the 30-year-old believes this can only benefit the hosts.

"It will be different because we play in a small stadium.

"It is sold out and the atmosphere is sure to be top notch."

PA