11 Oct 2013

England beat Montenegro 4-1 in World Cup qualifier

England’s footballers beat Montenegro 4-1 in their 2014 World Cup qualifier match – helped by their opponent’s own goal. But they need to beat Poland in their next game to be sure of qualification.

Leighton Baines of England takes on Nikola Drincic and Ivan Kecojevic of Montenegro (Getty)

Andros Townsend put in a stellar debut as England beat Montenegro 4-1 at Wembley Stadium to move a step closer to the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Townsend scored a brilliant solo strike to put England 3-1 up, having been involved in Wayne Rooney’s opener early in the second half.

A Branko Boskovic own-goal had made it 2-0 just after the hour mark, but a stubborn Montenegro side gave England the jitters when Dejan Damjanovic pulled one back with 18 minutes left.

Townsend’s star turn put their challenge to bed, however, with Daniel Sturridge adding a late fourth from the spot to seal the win.

Roy Hodgson’s side go top of group H, with Montenegro now out of contention following Ukraine’s 1-0 win over Poland earlier.

England, who are guaranteed a play-off spot, play the Poles next week, needing to match Ukraine’s result – a win against Poland – to be assured of qualification.