England Versus Bulgaria Match Preview

Key players will be absent for the England squad as they open their 2012 Euro qualifying campaign against Bulgaria on Friday at Wembley. Although England are favored to win Group G, England will have to adjust their rosters as regulars John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Eric Crouch are out with injuries.

Doubts still linger around the football frenzied nation as fans are still skeptical if England's coach Fabio Capello can lead the Three Lions to a successful European Championship. After a dismal performance in South Africa, England's exit in the second round with a 4-1 loss to Germany did not fair well with the English supporters. Many question Capello's strict policies, choice of formations, and not being able to adjust tactics while the game is being played. Capello must, show that he is willing to modify his 4-4-2 formation and create some inspiration into what has been a boring attack in order to silence his critics.

As for the players, England will have many questions surrounding them on the pitch. Attention will be on Manchester United star striker, Wayne Rooney, who many believe has failed to perform as of late. Rooney's World Cup was unmemorable and his recent scoring woes have followed him into the Premier League. Despite scoring in week three's match against West Ham, a penalty shot goal weighs differently than a goal resulting from the flow of the game. This match is a good mental test for Rooney. Will this ignite the creativity and scoring drive that has been lax as of late? With Crouch out with a back injury and with Defoe on the squad but struggling with injuries, the English attack seems to rest entirely on Rooney's shoulders.

Watch to see where Capello plays Liverpool captain Stephen Gerrard in the midfield position. With Lampard out, Stephen Gerrard will have to step up his play in midfield. To ensure a successful England attack, Gerrard must play in the center rather than on the flank. If Capello does place Gerrard's on the flank, certain uncreative offensive doom may arise.

Bulgaria's roster is solid with various European league players. Although their recent results obstruct confidence in believing that the side can be successful over England, their talented squad may allow them to be a credible threat. If they can hold England to at least a scoreless half, look for Bulgaria's cohesiveness to bring about a dynamic team that will slowly unravel any hope England has of enjoying an easy qualifying group.

Source: The FA