Capello backs Rooney

Fabio Capello defended Wayne Rooney after England had slumped to a disappointing goalless draw in their European Championship qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley.

Rooney saw two clear-cut chances saved by Montenegro goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic.

And the Manchester United striker once again looked out of sorts as England failed to close the gap on the surprise leaders in Group G.

Capello said: “Rooney played a normal game. He had two chances and twice the goalkeeper was very good, the second save was a fantastic save.

“We created four clear chances to score goals.”

England were lucky when defender Milan Jovanovic hit the crossbar with a 25-yard volley which had beaten goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Yet they were also unfortunate when Jovanovic clearly handled the ball in the penalty area but German referee Manuel Grafe waved away appeals for a penalty.

Capello, however, was generous in his praise for Montenegro, a country with a population of 670,000 but who have not conceded a goal in four games to lead the group by three points, although England have a game in hand.

“You have to respect little countries,” Capello said. “They have good players.

“At this moment they are psychologically at a high moment having won three games. They were compact. The quality was good.

“We were lucky because they had one shot at goal and it hit the bar. In other games they have had two shots and always scored.

“It is the fourth time they have had a clean sheet. It is not easy, you have to score quickly against them to make it easier.”

Capello conceded that the next qualifier against Wales in March would be crucial in a group where only the winner qualifies automatically.

“The next game is really important,” he added. “But every game in this group will be tough.

“I am a fighter. It is one game. We have to fight again. I think we are a good team. The goalkeeper was the best player for Montenegro. This is football.”

When asked if the struggle against Montenegro would make him question his decision to continue after the World Cup shambles, Capello replied: “Absolutely no.

“This is my job. It is one game. When we finish the qualification it will have told you something about that.”