Montenegro captain Mirko Vucinic believes England are still one of the better teams in Europe.
The Three Lions meet Vucinic's countrymen in World Cup qualifying in Podgorica on Tuesday and the Juventus forward suggests that Roy Hodgson's outfit will certainly be favourites for the Group H meeting.
"England are still one of the best teams and they start as favourites to win this match," said Vucinic whose Montenegro side sits on top of the group table, two points ahead of England after five matches.
"But the situation is completely different when it comes to the group standings. That means they have to come and attack us.
"We have a stronger selection of players this time than in the Euros - and England have a weaker defence because some of their players can't play.
"But they still have one hell of an attacking player in Wayne Rooney - so I expect it to be an interesting, exciting match.
"It's hard for me to find the answer why England are not doing better.
"It's strange because, for me, the Premier League is one of the very best leagues in the world.
"Maybe with Roy Hodgson now in charge, things will get better. He has the experience of managing in different countries and is a football man through and through."
