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England have put behind them the memories of a disappointing World Cup performance and are now ready to hit the ground running as they prepare to take on Bulgaria in their first fixture of the Euro 2012 qualifiers. There have been a number of changes made since South Africa 2010 with the involvement of younger players like Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson and keeper Joe Hart, who have proven themselves to be sharp as well as skillful. However, England's preparations for this match have been hardly ideal with superstars like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Peter Crouch withdrawing through injury. Meanwhile, things do not look too good for Bulgaria who have recently lost their star striker Dimitar Berbatov to retirement, and will be looking at someone else to step out and take on the mantle.

England

The English National side looks to be in a dire state with the Manager under immense pressure to deliver and player confidence being at an all time low. Their dismal performance at the World Cup raised numerous questions about the general state of the English game with radical changes being touted. The crux of the problem lies in the rigidity of the English game, the players and the coaching staff lack the tactical nous required to adapt to different situations and oppositions.

The goalkeeping position has been a huge problem for Fabio Capello, with Paul Robinson retiring from International football and Robert Green wilting under the pressure. Joe Hart had been ignored at the World Cup by Capello despite his good form for Birmingham, but his start to the Premier League campaign with Manchester City appears to have made him an instant choice for the no.1 jersey. The center of defence looks weak with the absence of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand through injury while replacements, Phil Jagielka and Matthew Upson have had injury troubles of their own in the recent past.

The midfield still lacks a player with pace and artistry ala Paul Scholes. Frank Lampard will miss the match against Bulgaria with a hernia problem which might pave the way for Michael Carrick to start in the center of the park. They still lack the very basic ability to hold the ball for long periods. The Manchester City trio of James Milner, Adam Johnson and Gareth Barry along with Arsenal's Theo Walcott look set to be regular starters in midfield for years to come. Walcott seems to have taken the World Cup snub on his chin and has started the season with vigor and hunger. Captain Steven Gerrard will probably play just behind the striker and look to get the rest of the side moving forward.

Finally to the little matter of Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United striker's performance in South Africa left football pundits confounded. After scoring 34 goals for Manchester United, he left for the World Cup with the hopes of a nation riding on his shoulders. Questions about his fitness, form, service from the wingers and state of his mind have been raised but with no answers. He finally ended his 5 month goal drought by scoring a penalty against West Ham and fans all over will be hoping that Rooney as we know him is back.

Bulgaria

Berbatov's retirement from the International game has weakened the side a great deal. They do possess two quality players in Stiliyan Petrov and Martin Petrov. Stiliyan has been a pillar for Aston Villa for the last couple of years while Martin has just moved to Bolton Wanderers from Manchester City in search of first team action.

Martin Petrov will be a major threat down the left wing, he's blessed with a strong left foot and a sharp mind. Ivelin Popov is an exiting prospect up front, his pace and eye for goal have caught the attention of quite a few English clubs. Blackburn Rovers were reportedly interested in the 22 year old but a deal didn't materialize and the striker remained at Litex Lovech.

Stanimir Stoilov has been at helm for almost two years now and the former CSKA Sofia player has done decent job as a manger. Bulgaria will be hoping to be competitive in European qualifying and any hance of progressing will depend largely on how they fare against the likes of Switzerland and Wales. The majority of the squad plies its trade in Bulgaria with a few exceptions apart from like Nikolay Mihaylov, Valeri Bojinov and Iliyan Mitsanski. Bojinov has the talent to also challenge for the Berbatov role, and English fans got a very small glimpse of his talent during a spell at Manchester City that was so injury prone that he made just 11 appearances in 3 years. Bojinov has some unfinished business with English football, and the Parma striker will be hoping he gets a chance to showcase his true worth.

Probable Line-Ups:

England(4-2-3-1): Joe Hart(Gk), Glen Johnson, Michael Dawson, Phil Jagielka, Ashley Cole, Theo Walcott, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry, James Milner, Adam Johnson, Wayne Rooney.

England will name a much changed line-up against Bulgaria due to the absence of Terry, Ferdinand, Lampard and Crouch through injury. Phil Jagielka missed training through an ankle injury so Upson might replace him at the center of defence, partnering Michael Dawson. A fit again Joleon Lescott may also press for a starting berth. Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson should start in the full-back positions. Capello has the option of bringing in Carrick for Lampard and play him alongside Barry in central midfield.

Gerrard, Adam Johnson and Walcott might form a front three and play behind Rooney. Johnson and Walcott have started the season well and both have the pace to trouble any defence. Rooney should start as the lone striker and will be looking to end his international goal drought.

Bulgaria (4-2-3-1): Nikolay Mihaylov (Gk), Stanislav Manolev , Ivan Ivanov , Iliyan Stoyanov , Veselin Minev , Stanislav Angelov , Chavdar Yankov, Georgi Peev, Stiliyan Petrov, Martin Petrov, Ivelin Popov.

Berbatov's retirement has left the team without a quality striker and all indications point to Bulgaria having a low scoring qualifying campaign. Nikolay Mihaylov, who spent three years in the Liverpool reserve squad, should start in goal. Stanislav Manolev is a mainstay at the right-back position; the PSV Eindhoven player is the one of the best players in this squad. Chavdar Yankov will be employed in the heart of Bulgaria's midfield along with Stiliyan Petrov.

Martin Petrov and Ivelin Popov will provide the flair in attack and both need to be at their best for Bulgaria to have any chance of getting a result at Wembley.

Prediction: England are struggling with injuries but they should have too much quality for Bulgaria, especially at Wembley. Bulgaria's attack looks blunt without Berbatov while the pace of Walcott, Johnson and Rooney should be enough to secure a win for England.

Predicted Score: England 3-1 Bulgaria

File Photograph Copyright: Shaun Brooks

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