Gerrard issues warning

Steven Gerrard has urged England to keep their discipline when they face Montenegro in a key World Cup Group H qualifier on Tuesday.

A victory in Podgorica would see Roy Hodgson's side leapfrog their hosts to go top of the table.

But England skipper Gerrard believes Montenegro will try to put pressure on the referee to make "rash" decisions in the hostile atmosphere in the Montenegro capital.

England had striker Wayne Rooney sent off at the same stadium 17 months ago as they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2, although that proved enough to qualify for Euro 2012, and Gerard is keen to avoid something similar happening again.

"It is important we keep 11 men on the pitch because it is going to be a very difficult game," said the Liverpool midfielder.

"It is going to be a pressure situation and we don't need to give the referee any excuse to send any of us off or any unnecessary yellow cards.

"It is important everyone takes responsibility and stays on the pitch.

"I'm sure everyone knows it before the game but I'm sure the manager (Roy Hodgson) will remind everyone. I'm sure that will be one of the points on the board.

"They will be trying to claim every decision, every foul, and they will be trying to intimidate the ref to make rash decisions.

"I'm sure we will have a good ref in charge who will make sensible decisions but it's important we keep our cool and keep everyone on the pitch."

Confidence is high in the England camp following their 8-0 victory over San Marino on Friday.

But Gerrard has warned of complacency and insists Montenegro will pose a much tougher test.

"Everyone knows you can't compare San Marino to Montenegro. It's the two ends of the scale," he added.

"We know it's going to be a much tougher test on Tuesday, the standard of players we are going to be up against are much better.

"They have got certain individuals in the world class category. We are well aware of the task in hand and know it's a much tougher game.

"I don't know whether crucial is the right word to describe this game but it is certainly a result we need.

"We need to take maximum points from this week to get into the driving seat. There are still a lot of tough and important games to play but we certainly want to make a statement.



"We want to go off in the summer and look at the group being in charge because we don't play for a long time."