Four days on from their 8-0 rout of San Marino, England face a potentially decisive World Cup qualifier on Tuesday against a Montenegro side who will not be anywhere near as obliging.
With four games still to come in Group H, it is too soon to cast the game as a make-or-break encounter, but the ramifications for success and failure are vastly different.
Win, and England will go top of the group, ahead of a kind run-in of fixtures that will see them play three of their final four matches at home.
Lose, and they will allow Montenegro to streak five points clear in the contest for the one and only automatic qualifying berth.
Montenegro, 28th in the FIFA ranking, avoided defeat in their two encounters with England in qualifying for Euro 2012 and their Podgorica City Stadium is expected to provide a hostile setting.
England manager Roy Hodgson, however, says that his side have been steeled for a scrap ever since the start of the qualifying campaign.
"We always knew this was going to be a bit of a dogfight, so only time will tell whether we can afford to lose Tuesday's game," he said.
"But we are not going there to lose. If Montenegro want the three points they will, hopefully, have to play very well, or we will have to have a very bad day.
"We have no intentions of having a bad day. We are going into the game with confidence."
Hodgson is expected to make as many as six changes to the side that demolished San Marino, although centre-back Gary Cahill and forward Theo Walcott will both miss the game through injury.
The England manager has also revealed that Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson should be fit to play, having been excused from duty in Serravalle to rest a toe injury, although he may need a pain-killing injection.
"We hope it will get better in the next couple of days," said Hodgson.
"If it doesn't, it might need an injection, but there is no problem."
On England's last visit to Podgorica, 17 months ago, they recorded a 2-2 draw that allowed them to secure a place at Euro 2012, where they reached the quarter-finals.
However, the game was marred by the dismissal of striker Wayne Rooney for recklessly kicking out at Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic.
In anticipation that Hodgson's men will once again face an intimidating atmosphere in the Montenegrin capital, England captain Steven Gerrard has urged his team-mates to keep their heads.
"It is important we keep 11 men on the pitch because it is going to be a very difficult game," he said.
"They will be trying to claim every decision, every foul, and they will be trying to intimidate the ref to make rash decisions.
"I'm sure we will have a good ref in charge who will make sensible decisions, but it's important we keep our cool and keep everyone on the pitch."
Montenegro are bidding to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since gaining independence from Serbia in 2006 and they preserved their grip on first place in the group by winning 1-0 at Moldova on Friday.
Mirko Vucinic, who claimed the game's only goal, says England's need for victory on Tuesday could play into the hosts' hands, despite their opponents' status as pre-match favourites.
"England are still one of the best teams and they start as favourites to win this match," said the Juventus forward.
"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 (qualifying for) the Euros - and England have a weaker defence because some of their players can't play."
Montenegro could be missing two of the four midfielders who started against Moldova, with Milorad Pekovic suspended and Filip Kasalica a big doubt after being stretchered off in Chisinau.
AFP
Mon Mar 25 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.