Taking the plaudits: Barnetta (right) celebrates after putting his side in front

Ashley Young, when finally introduced at half-time, and Jack Wilshere both looked promising in their roles.

Yet England are once again lumbering along in an attempt to qualify for the finals of a European Championship.

Four years ago we lamented that Croatia and Russia had the beating of us; now the might of Montenegro may stop us topping this group.

Capello might still achieve that target if England beat the tiny five-year- old nation in the autumn. But no one, surely, will dare to suggest that an English renaissance is under way if this team do head off to Poland and Ukraine next summer.

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