Categories
Youngsters will inspire England to win
The chance to boo and hiss at the England team passed with their win against Hungary last month, now it's time to look forward to a brave new future with a new young team - hopefully.
A win against Bulgaria tonight is crucial for both England's qualification hopes and Fabio Capello's prospects of being in a job at Christmas. The knives may have been out for the Italian since the World Cup fiasco, but he remains determined to see the job through.
He said: ""It's not the worst situation I've been in. It's been the same two or three times, in Madrid, Milan, and now.
"I hope pressure brings out the best in me. Up to now it usually has."
Capello had better hope the pressure will bring the best out of his young players as well. England are without John Terry, Frank Lampard, Peter Crouch and Rio Ferdinand for the opening qualifier, so Fabio's Fledglings will have to be at their best to win over a sceptical Wembley crowd.
Bulgaria will be a stern test though and, while their away record isn't too impressive (they've only won one of their last 12 on the road), they never get stuffed, and have only conceded more than two goals twice in their last 19 games.
It wouldn't be England without a poor first-half followed by a couple of goals in the second half to ease the nerves. The new-look side will take a while to settle in so it shouldn't be any different this time.
We reckon England will win at [1.33], but backing the Draw/England at [4.5] looks like it could be well worth a punt - especially considering the Three Lions have only been leading at half-time twice in their last ten games.
Think we're right? Or could England do the unthinkable and lose? Bulgaria are [14.0]...
Published: 3 Sep 2010
Leave a comment