We can dig in and do it hard way – Hodgson

Draws against Ukraine and Poland already in Group H meant Hodgson and his players travelled to Podgorica yesterday knowing defeat to the Group H leaders would be a hammer blow to their chances of sealing an automatic qualification berth for Brazil 2014.

It is not something Hodgson is spending much time thinking about and he has already declared an intention to go all out for victory.

That cannot be taken for granted in a tight, little stadium which holds only 13,000 supporters and where the atmosphere can become pretty intimidating, as Poland found out recently when seats were hurled by home fans, upset at falling behind.

But if the worst unfolds, and England do end up suffering their first qualification defeat since a single-goal loss to Ukraine under Fabio Capello in October 2009, Hodgson believes the spirit among his players ensures they will bounce back.

“I would be very surprised if we lost and there was a massive mood switch within the group,” he said.

“The group is sufficiently strong to take whatever is coming to us in terms of medicine, get on with it and put things right.

“I am not contemplating defeat. I don’t even want to discuss the possibility of it.

“But I do think the squad is strong enough and good enough to achieve our objectives.

“If we can do it the easy way that’s great, but if we have to do it the hard way I am pretty sure we can dig in and do that.”

In the 10 months since Hodgson took charge, most of his players have avoided offering comparisons between the 65-year-old former West Brom and Fulham boss and the man he replaced, Capello.

There can be no disputing Capello has the better CV.

Yet there was something about the Italian’s style, which at times was brutal in its dismissiveness, that did not sit easily with English players.

Captain Steven Gerrard last night hailed the backbone Hodgson is so convinced will carry England through and gave credit to the manager for its creation.

“The spirit is down to the manager and the staff,” he said. “They have created the atmosphere for us to work in. “Roy is showing the players a lot of respect and trust, giving us down time to relax and treating us like adults.

“We are not hiding anything. There are no cliques or secret fall-outs. We’re just enjoying the atmosphere.”

Some members of Hodgson’s squad might not be so happy when the team to face Montenegro is unveiled.

Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson seem certain to be recalled.

Michael Carrick, Danny Welbeck and James Milner also look likely to be included in a side that will try to marry defensive solidity with effectiveness in possession, and a killer touch in attack.

This is the template Hodgson has played to throughout his career.

And it is one this England is getting closer to following, even if he accepts utopia is impossible, something he feels applies to the present world and European champions Spain as well.

“I take full responsibility for the way the team plays,” he said.

“I don’t have a dream scenario. I suppose if you want to keep it very simple, I like to see teams who pass the ball well and have good movement. I like to see teams that recover positions and work hard when they lose the ball.

“I guess I am like 99.9 per cent of all coaches in that respect. I am not suggesting I am any different to anyone else.

“An international team takes a bit of time to mould together. I get the feeling we are moulding better together the more we have a chance to work together.

“But there is no coach in the world who says ‘that’s it, we are there’. You are always looking to continue the process.

“I bet even (Vicente) Del Bosque (Spain’s coach) is hoping to move it on a bit. That is where we are too.”

Meanwhile, Gerrard hit back in the World Cup war of words by claiming the Three Lions have Montenegro “right where we want them”.

Hodgson and his players were airborne, taking the short flight across the Adriatic from Rimini to Podgorica, when Montenegro coach Branko Brnovic launched an astonishing attack.

Brnovic appeared to be spoiling for a fight as he launched into his tirade, branding England scared long-ball merchants who think they have already qualified.

The Montenegro coach also took exception to supposed comments over the state of a pitch which Hodgson had not even made, in what seemed to be a pre-meditated attempt to goad England into losing their cool.

It did not work, however, and although Hodgson was content to ignore virtually everything Brnovic had said, Gerrard offered an insight into English thinking.

“It just shows we’ve got them exactly where we want them,” said the Liverpool midfielder.

“They seem to be more interested in saying things and doing all the talking. But talking doesn’t win you football matches.

“I’m not really too interested in what they’ve got to say in their press conference. Or in ours, to be honest.

“I’m more interested in how the lads play in training and (tonight) when the first whistle goes.”

Hodgson and Gerrard did their due diligence on the pitch following their arrival, having landed in heavy thunderstorms. Yet England declared themselves satisfied with the surface, which gave Brnovic’s outburst a rather contrived feel.

England’s last trip to the Balkan state saw Wayne Rooney red carded and Montenegro roar back from two goals down to snatch a draw in a raucous atmosphere.