Montenegro scored a late equalizer to secure a vital 1-1 draw with England in a World Cup qualifier in Podgorica on Tuesday evening.
Manchester United star Wayne Rooney gave the Three Lions an early lead, but Dejan Damjanovic popped up with 15 minutes remaining to earn the hosts an important point.
The result sees Montenegro remain at the top of Group H, two points ahead of England, who will no doubt rue its inability to protect a lead.
Things started off well for the visitors when Rooney silenced the raucous crowd with a well-placed header from Steven Gerrard’s corner kick.
It was just the kind of start England was hoping for as it looked to leapfrog Montenegro at the top of the group.
The hosts seemed flustered and were unable to create any decent scoring chances and went into the half-time interval bereft of any creative ideas.
However, Montenegro came out of the break hungry for the equaliser and came close when Stevan Jovetic nodded inches wide with England keeper Joe Hart at his mercy.
Marko Basa then had a good chance to level matters but his powerful header was deflected wide for a corner.
The home side was attacking in waves and the Three Lions did their best to absorb the pressure, but Joe Hart almost committed a howler when he let a tame shot slip through his fingers before gathering at the last moment.
England was on the ropes, and it was only a matter of time before it relinquished its slim one-goal advantage.
Montenegro’s determination finally paid dividends in the 75th minute when Damjanovic found himself at the right place at the right time to poke in the equalizer.
Montenegro held on to secure a draw and is sitting pretty at the top of Group H with 14 points, two ahead of England.