Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgaria vs England match preview and line-ups

England take on Bulgaria in the Stadion Vasil Levski, Sofia in a Group A tie on Tuesday, October 15. England, who top their group, are looking for a reaction after losing to the Czech Republic on October 12. Meanwhile Bulgaria, having failed to win a single game so far, might fancy fending off the English. Bulgaria lost 4-0 when the sides met back in September with Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick.

Team news and form

England's defeat last time was their first in the group stages. They have won the other four, having played five games so far. They have scored 20 goals and have conceded 5 goals along the way. A win would see them qualify for the Euros next year, with two games in hand. Gareth Southgate must be pondering a change or two after England struggled for creativity in their last game. Injured James Maddison would have been a great option if available. Rest of the squad remains at disposal for Southgate to choose with. Ross Barkley might come in to add some spark in the middle of the park.

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Bulgaria haven't had a single victory yet in the group stages. They have drawn thrice and suffered three losses so far. They have scored a paltry 5 goals and conceded 11 along the way. Although Bulgaria appear to be an easy game for England, cannot be underestimated as there might be a surprise for the Three Lions. Their draw against Montenegro on Saturday saw them take 16 shots on goal which must be a positive for manager Krasimir Balakov. He has no injury problems except for the withdrawn Georgi Kostadinov and must be looking to field his best available line-up at home to England. 

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Predicted Line-Up

Bulgaria: Plamen Iliev, Anton Nedyalkov, Petar Zanev< Kristian Dimitrov, Georgi Pashov, Ivelin Popov, Wanderson, Marcelinho, Kristiyan Malinov, Galin Ivanov, Bozhidar Kraev

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England: Jordan Pickford, Danny Rose, Harry Maguire, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ross Barkley, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling

When and Where To Watch

Date: October 15, 2019

Time: 12:15 AM IST

Where: SONY LIV

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