After suffering a shock reality Czech on Friday, England head to Sofia as they take on Bulgaria in their last Euro 2020 Qualifier.
A win for the Three Lions coupled with anything less than victory for Kosovo against Montenegro would see them secure their spot at next summer’s Euros, whilst Bulgaria’s qualification hopes will be over if they don’t get three points.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesBulgaria will be without defensive duo of Strahil Popov and Vasil Bozhikov after the pair withdrew after Friday’s clash with Montenegro.
Captain, Ivelin Popov however should return to the starting eleven after missing their last match.
England could have Callum Wilson available after the striker sat out Friday’s defeat with illness.
Gareth Southgate meanwhile could rotate his defence after a series of defensive errors against the Czech Republic on Friday, possibly reverting to the back three which he used at last year’s World Cup as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fikayo Tomori and Tyrone Mings all push for starts.
Stat Attack
- England are unbeaten in 11 meetings across all competitions against Bulgaria (W7, D4), including victories in their last three matchups without conceding.
- In five previous trips to Bulgaria, England have scored eight goals and conceded just once.
- Harry Kane has scored nine goals across each of England’s last seven qualifiers for Euro 2020 and 2018 FIFA World Cup, dating back to October 2017.
Prediction
England were defensively poor all over the pitch in the Czech Republic despite Raheem Sterling trying to create some chances from his left flank only to meet a robust defence on several occasions.
That has to change here because England need to make a sharp start and dominate this game, because if Bulgaria can gain control then I can see another away defeat potentially brewing.
Kane and Sterling however are currently in strong international form so if they can continue their momentum, this should be a comfortable win.
Prediction: Bulgaria 0-2 England
Result: Bulgaria 0-6 England