England disappoint against Montenegro!

After that shambles in the summer, England fans were once again beginning to get optimistic following a series of victories.

Added into this mix was the emergence of new talents, think Adam Johnson, and it was widely believed that Euro 2012 qualification was a mere formality.

But who are England to disappoint, and right on cue they have reminded their public that this isn't the case with a very poor performance.

Should this have been against one of the top sides, a draw wouldn't seem so bad but it was against the side tipped to finish bottom of the group.

Well that certainly is the case if you tip the current table upside down.

Added into the mix is also their current standing in the FIFA rankings, where Montenegro sit fortieth one ahead of Colombia and just behind Burkina Faso.

Montenegran fans celebrated like they had won at the final whistle at Wembley and who could blame them, if it wasn't for a lick of paint they could well have done.

But with Joe Hart well beat Milan Jovanovic's shot shuddered off the bar, and reminded England not to be too complacent.

The Sixth ranked best side in the world dominated possession for the most part, but struggled to make any real openings.

And when they did they found a keeper in top form, with Mladen Bozovic proving the last line in what was mostly a very staunch defence.

People connected with the national side will point to the clear penalty that should have been awarded when Jovanovic handled in the box.

But the truth is England shouldn't struggle to break these sides down, even if they settle for the most part.

Ashley Young and Adam Johnson may be the positives to take out of the game, with both being lively but during the course of the whole game not seeing enough of the ball.

Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole were also subdued in attacking from their full back berths, something we are all to used to seeing.

Most worrying of all though for Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson alike, will be another subdued performance from Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker of a few months ago would have buried the two chances that fell his way, but on the night Bozovic thwarted him.

Injuries should have subsided by the next qualifier in Cardiff in March, but before that is the friendly against France at Wembley next month.

A stark improvement is needed if the three lions are to get back on track.

Ferdinand back as captain

Column inches have been filled with debate about the England captaincy, ever since Steven Gerrard stepped in for the injured Rio Ferdinand.

The Liverpool man gave Fabio Capello a huge headache by leading from the front, and proving an inspiration as he dragged England out of the mire and pulled the side forward.

However with the Manchester United defender back from injury, the decision has been made up ahead of Wednesday's game.

Rio will retain the armband, but it is hugely unlikely that the debate will end there.

If England do struggle against Montenegro at Wembley, both Ferdinand and Capello will once again be put under huge pressure.

But the most concerning of all will be the effect this will have on Gerrard.

He thrived as the leader of his c0untry, proving the talisman the country have always cried for from him.

This decision though could prove a huge confidence sap, and he could drift back into putting in mediocre performances.

A man who looks like he is well and truly shackled.

However this isn't the only problem concerning the England hierarchy.

Injuries have once again become took their toll, with Phil Jagielka's injury meaning it is likely Joleon Lescott will take a place in the starting eleven.

However Aaron Lennon and Darren Bent are also out, with Peter Crouch favourite to partner the out of sorts Wayne Rooney in attack.

Despite this though, the spotlight will no doubt be cast around Ferdinand and Gerrard as England look to build on their winning ways.