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World Cup | Qualifiers

Mar 26, 2013 at 8pm UK

Montenegro
1-1
England

Steven Gerrard: 'Defeat would be very damaging'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 25 March 2013

England skipper Steven Gerrard is confident that his side can beat Montenegro tomorrow night, but admits that a loss would be very damaging.

England captain Steven Gerrard has expressed his belief that the winners of tomorrow's World Cup qualifying match against Montenegro will be in control of Group H.

The Three Lions are currently two points behind group leaders Montenegro after four games, meaning that a win on Tuesday would see them leapfrog their opponents into first place.

Gerrard, who is expected to return to the side having been rested against San Marino, is confident that his side can emerge victorious, but admits that a loss would be very damaging to England's hopes of automatic qualification.

"Yes, it is very important and puts either side in control of the group who wins, but I don't think it's the end of the world if we don't get the result we want," said the 32-year-old.

"We are confident to do a job here. I think a defeat here would be very damaging to us. Let's hope that is not the case. We are confident to get a result. We believe, if we play to our level, we are more than capable of three points and that's what we have come here for.

"We know we've got to play close to our maximum to beat this good team. We know if we play anywhere near our level, we will get the result. We are concentrating on what the manager wants of us, to be very good defensively and play attacking football when we get the ball."

England's last match saw them thrash minnows San Marino 8-0.