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The first stretch of the 2019-20 club season has provided a plethora of sub-plots, with each of Europe’s top leagues contributing majorly. However, those storylines take a backseat for the next week and a bit as the international outfits across the globe gear up to clash swords.
On the 7th of September, Bulgaria and England will immerse themselves in a Euro 2020 qualifier at Wembley with the hosts looking to continue their impressive run in the qualifying campaign.
The Three Lions have rewarded quite a few consistent performers on the domestic stage and they could be handed their first international cap come Friday. The likes of James Maddison, Mason Mount and Tyrone Mings could be in line for a debut due to a combination of England’s strong position in the group and Bulgaria’s wretched form, of late.
The English have made the net bulge on 10 occasions in 2 games and have shipped in a solitary goal, which is in stark contrast to what the visitors have managed.
Bulgaria have accumulated just a couple of points over the four games they’ve played, scoring 5 times and conceding on 7 occasions.
Thus, on paper, the Three Lions seem to have most bases covered and a team of Bulgaria’s ilk shouldn’t really trouble the hosts.
However, having said that, England would be extremely naïve to write off the visitors even before a ball has been kicked.
After all, international football has the potential to throw up its fair share of banana skins and the Three Lions would be particularly circumspect of slipping over one of those.
Kick-off Details
Date: 7th September 2019
Time: 5pm BST; 09:30pm IST
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Where to watch: Sony Network (India)
Head to Head Record
Total Matches Played: 10 matches
England: 6 wins
Bulgaria: 0 wins
Draws: 4 draws
Form Guide (Last five matches; Most recent first)
England: W-L-W-W-W
Bulgaria: L-L-D-D-D
Players to watch out for
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling has been one of England’s most important players over the past couple of years and it looks extremely unlikely that that would change when Bulgaria come calling on Saturday.
Additionally, the winger has started the season on fire and has been superb for his club, Manchester City.
Moreover, his wonderful relationship with Harry Kane should allow the diminutive forward to enjoy another stellar game for the Three Lions.
Jadon Sancho
The youngster took the European football landscape by storm last season courtesy a run of superlative performances for Borussia Dortmund. Subsequently, he also made his England bow last term and was largely brilliant, whenever called upon.
Jadon Sancho has started the current term in similar fashion, racking up three assists and a couple of goals in the Bundesliga.
Thus, the dazzling winger could have a major say against Bulgaria, considering the visitors’ leaky defence and Sancho’s ambition of establishing himself as an extremely vital piece in Gareth Southgate’s puzzle.
Betting Tips
England win: 1.05
Bulgaria win: 23.00
Draw: 11.00
Bookmaker: Sportsbet
