Baptism of fire: Branko Brnovic will be resting players with an eye to Montenegro's final game in Switzerland

The match will be Branko Brnovic’s first game as a manager and the first game as a coach for his assistant, the former Aston Villa forward Savo Milosevic.

Add to that the fact Brnovic is saving three key players for the final group game against Switzerland — because they are one booking away from suspensions — and England should not find the reception too hostile.

Even so, Capello seems reluctant to take many chances. Terry might consider Phil Jones ‘ready’ to partner him in central defence but his manager seems more inclined to give the 19-year-old his debut at right back, where there will be less pressure and responsibility.

Capello said he was still agonising over his ‘right back and the forward to play with Rooney’, and last night he spent time studying yet more videos of Montenegro.

There is a desire, apparently, to select Bobby Zamora. That may be a surprise but Capello is said to see the Fulham striker as the perfect foil to Rooney.

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