Phillip Buckley
What: UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying
Who: England vs Bulgaria (Group G)
When: Friday 3rd September, 2010, at 20:00 UK Time
Where: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Erasing World Cup Demons
When England’s players trudged off the pitch in South Africa having been humiliated 4-1 by Germany in the World Cup, few would have predicted that Fabio Capello would keep his job. Yet the Italian has survived, partly due to the expense of paying up his contract and partly due to the real belief that he will not allow a similar scenario to unfold in Poland/Ukraine. The Gods have been kind to Capello in handing him a home opener against a Bulgaria far from the peak of their powers and the former Real Madrid coach is focused on the win. "We have to play without fear", said the Italian, before adding that the players had "been training very well and with confidence."
England’s defence could be an area of concern, given that the expected central pairing of Phil Jagielka and Matthew Upson are an inexperienced duo. However, Capello holds out hope that the steadying influences of Glen Johnson at right back and Ashley Cole at left back can help the two settle in. The absence of Frank Lampard through injury could allow Steven Gerrard to impose himself a little more, while Wayne Rooney has been given license by Capello to roam across the frontline.
Springing a Surprise?
Bulgaria haven’t lived up to the potential their fine performance in the 1994 World Cup suggested lay within the country’s borders. In fact, since France ’98, the Bulgarians have yet to reach a single major finals tournament. In a tricky group this time, the signs are they may have to wait a little longer. Nevertheless, the Eastern Europeans believe they might be able to mount a smash-and-grab raid on England and steal away from Wembley with all three points.
Seasoned Premier League pro Martin Petrov, now at Bolton Wanderers, has suggested that despite the household names on England’s teamsheet, they are not yet a team. "Everyone knows that England have names and very good players. If you take every player from their team, they are very good players. But I don’t think they have a team", warned the winger, "I don’t know why. In the middle and up front they have big names, they have a big manager too, but they just don’t do it." Bulgaria, led by Stanimir Stoilov, in his second spell in charge, will hope that continues to be the case at Wembley.
Recent form
England:
Slovenia 0-1 England (23/06; World Cup – Group C)
Germany 4-1 England (27/06; World Cup – Second Round)
England 2-1 Hungary (11/08; Friendly)
Bulgaria:
Belgium 2-1 Bulgaria (19/05; Friendly)
South Africa 1-1 Bulgaria (24/05; Friendly)
Russia 1-0 Bulgaria (11/08; Friendly)
Players to watch
England – Joe Hart: After England’s World Cup debacle the appointment of Joe Hart as the country’s number 1 is a big sign that Capello wants to reshape the national team. Hart has enjoyed a whirlwind few years and now holds the starting spot with both Manchester City and England. Is it too much to ask the 23-year-old? England’s goalkeepers have seemed cursed and David James, Rob Green, Paul Robinson and Scott Carson have all failed to make the positon their own. With just four caps to his name, Hart will need to show nerves of steel and turn in a flawless display.
Bulgaria – Martin Petrov: Left out in the cold at Manchester City, Petrov has rediscovered himself at Bolton Wanderers. Upon arriving at Eastlands from Atletico Madrid in 2007, the winger was quickly appreciated as a special talent. Injuries have interrupted his time in the Premier League however, and Petrov had a reputation for being a troublesome dressing room character. With Bulgaria he seems at home, comfortable and passionate about doing well with his country. Petrov could prove a thorn in England’s side all evening.
Match prediction
Bulgaria have underperformed in recent years and the international retirement of Dimitar Berbatov arguably robbed them of their only genuine world-class talent. Valeri Bojinov could prove to be the man to step up, but the young Parma forward is too inconsistent and not there yet. England may have some wobbles at the back – it would be natural given the new faces making up the defensive unit – but at Wembley and with the driving talents of Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney they should, just, come through. 2-1 or 3-1 to England.
