Allen Hamilton

What: Euro 2012 Qualifiers – Group G
Who: Bulgaria (4th; 5 points) vs England (1st; 11 points)
When: Friday 2nd September, 2011, at 19:15 UK time
Where: Natsionalen Stadion Vasil Levski, Sofia, Bulgaria

Matthaus-Powered Revival?

Bulgaria might have slumped in recent years and, realistically, hold little chance of qualifying for Euro 2012 here, but under German coach Lothar Matthaus there is hope that better times are on the horizon.

The former Hungary boss started his Bulgaria reign with a win last year, beating Wales 1-0. The victory came just a month after the side had been stuffed 4-0 by England at Wembley and had gone on to suffer the pain of defeat at home to Montenegro just days later. Those two blows left Bulgaria up against it from the beginning, though Matthaus followed his Wales win by holding first Switzerland and then Montenegro to draws. There is a definite sense of improvement under the former Germany star.

And it is like his countrymen that Matthaus is urging Bulgaria to be, explaining that Germany know how to beat the English and that he plans to instil this in his squad.

"I want my players to be like Germans tomorrow evening", said Matthaus. "It is important to control the play without fear, to press the opponent and not to be a mouse which runs from the cat."

Keeping Their Noses Ahead

England may be on top of Group G, but Fabio Capello’s men are only there by virtue of goal difference. Plucky Montenegro are keeping pace with the English every step of the way. The team from the small Balkan country held England to a 0-0 draw at Wembley, meaning that Capello’s side still have a tricky away trip to come – with this in mind, beating Bulgaria is essential.

The Three Lions know though that what happens is up to them as the country’s skipper John Terry was quick to point out. "It’s in our hands", said Terry. "In the way we perform and the way we play we must be very positive. In our minds we’re coming here as a group of players to pick up three points."

In England’s favour is the form of a number of young guns who are shining in the Premier League. This, combined with the now experienced heads of the likes of Terry and Wayne Rooney, is enough to ensure that Capello’s side enter in good heart. "Rooney is an extraordinary player", said Bulgaria coach Matthaus when asked about the Manchester United forward and there is little doubt he is England’s trump card.

Recent form

Bulgaria:
Corsica 1-0 Bulgaria (31/05; Friendly)
Montenegro 1-1 Bulgaria
(04/06; Euro 2012 Qualifiers)
Belarus 1-0 Bulgaria (10/08; Friendly)

England:
Wales 0-2 England
(26/03; Euro 2012 Qualifiers)
England 1-1 Ghana (29/03; Friendly)
England 2-2 Switzerland
(04/06; Euro 2012 Qualifiers)

Players to watch

Bulgaria – Ivelin Popov: The 23-year-old striker should provide Bulgaria with a real threat up front and his record of seven goals in 24 caps is testament to that. Currently plying his trade in Turkey with Gaziantepspor, Popov is also capable of pulling out wide and operating on the flank. On his day, he could be a handful for England.

England – Scott Parker: Parker’s transfer deadline day switch to Tottenham Hotspur should allow the midfielder to focus fully on his England duty. The 30-year-old explained that he felt he needed to move on from relegated West Ham to preserve his international prospects. Parker will work his socks off for Capello and has it within himself to boss the midfield here.

Match Prediction

There is little doubt Matthaus has improved Bulgaria and England will find a side unwilling to lie down quite as easily as was the case in last year’s 4-0 drubbing. However, the simple fact remains that England are a better side with far more quality that the Bulgarians and this, on the day, should tell. Bulgaria 0-2 England.


Who will come out on top in this Euro 2012 qualifier clash between Bulgaria v England? Check out the latest Euro 2012 Odds and important facts that will help you to broaden your football knowledge and place a bet on the winning team.