England captain Steven Gerrard has insisted that coach Roy Hodgson has helped to build a "fantastic" team spirit at international level.

Ahead of tonight's World Cup qualifier against Montenegro, the Three Lions are unbeaten in Group H, but still sit two points behind their opponents.

Gerrard believes that Hodgson has created a calmer atmosphere by giving experienced players space to relax.

He told The Sun: "It's down to the manager and the staff creating the atmosphere to work in.

"He's showing the players a lot of respect and trust, giving us down-time to relax and treating us like adults. We're not hiding anything. There are no cliques or secret fall-outs.

"We've got a fantastic team spirit and the atmosphere is really good at the moment."

Gerrard is one of five players expected to get a recall to England's starting XI in Podgorica tonight.