England will have another chance to book their place at the Euro 2020 when they take on Bulgaria in a Group A tie in Sofia. The Three Lions were stunned in Prague by the Czech Republic who handed them a shock 2-1 defeat. Can they bounce back and book their place in next year’s tournament? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
Gareth Southgate’s side will be looking for an immediate response to the shock 2-1 defeat against Czech Republic when they lock horns with Bulgaria in another Group A Euro 2020 qualifier. The 2018 World Cup semi-finalists suffered their first defeat in the qualifiers since 2009 on Friday night.
Bulgaria have been one of the poorest teams at the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers, having failed to win a single game after their first six games in Group A. They are bottom in Group A, with no chance of reaching the showpiece next year but can they stop England?
Betting preview
The last three games between these two have seen three or more goals scored. Four of Bulgaria’s last five matches and five of England’s last six encounters have seen Over 2.5 Goals. Therefore, you can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.60.
Both teams have scored in four of Bulgaria’s last five matches. Both teams have found the back of the net in four of England’s last six matches. Moreover, the Three Lions defence struggled in Prague and if they produce the same dire performance, the Bulgarian attackers will fancy their chances. You can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 2.15.
Harry Kane scored twice when these two met in England’s 4-0 win in September. The Tottenham Hotspur striker has also scored in England’s last three games. For that reason, you can back Harry Kane as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 1.60.
Team news
For the hosts, Strahil Popov and Vasil Bozhikov withdrew from the squad last week leaving them short of options at the back.
Southgate is likely to consider changes following the defeat in Prague. Tyron Mings might come in for Michael Keane while Harry Winks might come in for Declan Rice.
Possible line-ups
Bulgaria: Iliev, Pashov, Dimitrov, Zanev, Nedyalkov, Kostadinov, Ivanov, Popov, Malinov, Wanderson, Kraev
England: Pickford, Alexander-Arnold, Mings, Maguire, Chilwell, Henderson, Winks, Mount, Sancho, Kane, Sterling