England are still favorites after being hit with a string of injuries ahead of Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria. Goalkeepers Foster and Carson have picked up knocks, as well as Jagielka, Terry, Lampard and Lennon. Capello will be forced to use some creativity, as English fans will not accept their national side missing a 2nd consecutive European Championship.
The Three Lion's warm-up friendly against Hungary resulted in a
Steven Gerrard brace and 2-1 victory.
Bulgaria have managed three draws and three defeats from English match-ups, but must play Friday without influential striker Dimitar Berbetov. The Manchester United hit-man retired from international football recently and his absence will be surely be felt this weekend. Head coach Stanimir Stoilov does not have any significant injury concerns.
Euro 2012 Qualifiers: England vs. Bulgaria
Date: 3 September, 2010 - 21:00 CET
Venue: Old Wembley - London
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
England:
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
Defenders: Cole, Johnson, Gibbs, Dawson
Midfielders: Gerrard, Walcott, Barry, Johnson
Forwards: Crouch, Rooney
Manager: Fabio Capello
Injured: Foster, Terry, Lampard, Lennon
Booked: -
Bulgaria:
Keeper: Mihaylov
Defenders: Minev, Ivanov, Manolev, Petrov
Midfielders: Yankov, Angelov, Peev, Georgiev
Forwards: Popov, Bozhinov
Manager: Stanimir Stoilov
Injured: -
Booked: -
Weather Forecast/Conditions
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Overall: Partly Cloudy
Temperature: 18°
Chance/Precipitation: 10%
Humidity: 66%
Last meeting: 09.06.1999 Bulgaria - England 1:1
Wins England: 3
Wins Bulgaria: 0
Draws: 3
Bookies have made England heavy favorites to win this one despite Capello's injury concerns. I believe this is warranted, as Bulgaria are on a poor run and the English squad have pressure to perform after missing the Euro 2008 and the disaster this summer in South Africa. England should get a victory here, though Bulgaria could surprise us and keep the game close.
Tip: England to win (1x2)
Currently the best odds for this result can be found at
Betfair.
