• World Cup qualifiers

Oxlade wary of 'hostile' Montenegro

ESPN staff
March 25, 2013
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was on target against San Marino © PA Photos
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is braced for a "hostile" atmosphere against Montenegro in Podgorica on Tuesday but is confident England have what it takes to overcome their opponents.

England head into their meeting with Montenegro off the back of an 8-0 hammering of San Marino on Friday night while the Group H leaders defeated Moldova 1-0 in their respective outing.

That victory ensured Montenegro boast a two-point lead over second-placed England in Group H, making this week's fixture significant in the bid to reach the 2014 World Cup.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored against San Marino, said: "It is the key game, definitely. It is good to win every game but, with them being top of the group, it is even more important.

"You can't look too far into it because you then start getting distracted, and it puts added pressure onto you.

"We know what we've got to do, it's a pressure game but they are all pressure games for us.

"It will be hostile but if you look around this squad, the players have experienced hostile environments before at club and international level.

"It is a different challenge for us to overcome but, at the end of the day, it's a game of football and what goes on inside the white lines isn't to do with who is outside of them.

"We will speak about tactics before the game. If we can match them mentally and physically and approach the game in a right way, we've got a good chance."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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