England's Daniel Sturridge, third right, and Danny Welbeck, second left, attempts to score as Montenegro's goalkeeper Vukasin Poleksic, centre, punches the ball clear during the World Cup Group H qualification soccer match between England and Montenegro at Wembley stadium in London, Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 (Photo: AP)
England took a big stride towards the World Cup finals when they overcame some anxious moments to beat Montenegro 4-1 at Wembley on Friday to remain top of qualifying Group H with one match to play.
A Wayne Rooney strike after 48 minutes, an own goal from Branko Boskovic after 62 minutes, a stunning third on his debut by Andros Townsend and an injury-time penalty from Daniel Sturridge secured England's victory.
England lead Group H with 19 points, one ahead of Ukraine and four more than Montenegro.
Montenegro appeared to set up a nervous finale when Dejan Damjanovic scored after 71 minutes but England weathered the storm and will qualify for the 2014 finals if they beat Poland at Wembley in their final qualifier on Tuesday.
The only blot on an otherwise good night for Roy Hodgson's team was a booking for rightback Kyle Walker, which will keep him out of Tuesday's match.
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