As someone who got badly injured playing for England I can fully understand Rio Ferdinand not wanting to take any chances with his back problem.
But, given the manner in which he pulled out of the squad after being called up, I can't see how Roy Hodgson can select him again.
He's probably enjoying his best season at Manchester United now and there's no reason England can't make room for him in their midfield, and allow the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Jack Wilshere to press on and do their things while he goes about his work just behind them.
San Marino v England
We'll win this one pretty comfortably - 3-0 or 4-0 - but I don't think it will be a 10-0 drubbing or anything like that because we saw how hard they can make it when they sat behind the ball at Wembley. They'll sit deep and if they concede they'll probably sit even deeper. They're not going to come out and play. But it will be a patience game for England. They need to keep the ball moving, not take too many touches and just bide their time before picking them off when they tire. It may take 30 minutes, it may take until the second half, but I've not doubt England will eventually break through and win by several clear goals.
Montenegro v England
This is a different test. I think England will pip it, though, and I'm going 2-1 to England - with a few scares along the way! Montenegro are a decent, talented side. Their heads drop if things don't go their way but can be dangerous when they get their tails up - like in the Euro 2012 qualifier with England in 2011, when they fought back from 2-0 down. Once they got a goal back in that game and Wayne Rooney was sent off they suddenly played with confidence and showed their ability. With a passionate home crowd behind them again on Tuesday, they'll be determined to get a result. England will need to ride out the storm this time and grind out the win. That's what it's about now. No one cares how you qualify, you just need to get the job done.
