World Cup 2010 Live

Fabio Capello has challenged England to put their dismal performance against Montenegro behind them and win in Wales next March to get their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign back on track.

England were dismal against Montenegro as they failed to break down an inferior opponent and are now trailing them in Group G. While the Three Lions have begun brightly with two wins from their first two qualifiers, Capello does not want to leave anything to chance and insists England must beat Wales in order to top the group and thus qualify automatically.

Montenegro entered Group G as fifth seeds, but a string of fine performances has put them on top of the group with 10 points in the bank and no goals conceded after four games.

They look certain to provide the stiffest challenge to England's hopes of claiming an automatic qualifying spot, having already defeated the other three teams in the pool, including a notable triumph over Bulgaria in Sofia.

So Capello wants to avoid further mishaps until the potentially pivotal return clash in Podgorica on October 7 next year.

And that includes overcoming a Welsh team who have badly underperformed so far, partly because of the unavailability through injury of several of their best players. Wales currently sit bottom of the group, but are bound to be fired up for England's trip to Cardiff in March.

"We have to go to Wales and win," said Capello.

"Then we will be at the top with Montenegro and then we can assess who is likely to win the group.

"I am confident. But it will not be easy because this is a really balanced group and I am sure Wales will be back in form when we play them in March."

The 'Battle of Britain' contest will be a new experience for Capello, who has so far been restricted to opposition from continental Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia during nearly three years in charge of the England team.

Before that game in Cardiff can be prepared for, England have a couple of key friendlies against rivals Argentina in February, and France next month.

The first match in particular will be interesting given that Capello has already pledged to give youth a chance and elevate two of the men responsible for getting England into the European Under-21 Championship finals next summer.

Sunderland's Jordan Henderson and Blackburn Rovers' Phil Jones are among the more obvious candidates, with Newcastle's Andy Carroll being mentioned in some quarters if he can reclaim and retain his starting role at St James' Park.

"It is more important to see some young players play at Wembley," said Capello.

"It is a big step to the seniors from the under-21s and it is even bigger to play at that stadium.”