Wayne Rooney Set To Continue Good Form Against Bulgaria For England
England seem to have undergone a bit of a transformation in the past twelve months in terms of playing staff, what looked a stale, underachieving squad now looks a fresh and promising squad with new faces such as Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Tom Cleverley combining with the realtively inexperienced likes of Gary Cahill and Andy Carroll. It is these emerging stars who will renew fans' interest in the England set up after years of let downs from high profile players.
It is unlikely that Fabio Capello will throw the youngsters in at the deep end in Bulgaria with the more experienced players likely to start the game, Wayne Rooney may start up front on his own with fellow strikers Darren Bent, Andy Carroll and Jermain Defoe hardly enjoying a prolific start to the season, especially compared to Rooney who has scored five goals in his three games so far.
Ashley Young looks likely to start after showing good form for his new club Man Utd, his ability to link up with Rooney could be key and he is likely to be joined in midfield by Gareth Barry, Scott Parker and Frank Lampard whilst Theo Walcott could win the battle to start on the right over Stewart Downing and James Milner. Joleon Lescott may partner John Terry in central defence after showing his best form in recent years for Man City this season, Ashley Cole is almost certain to start left back whilst England have limited options at right back so back in favour Micah Richards should start. Joe Cole is the only one of the three England goalkeepers to have been capped and barring a late injury he is certain to play.
England have amassed more than twice the points of Bulgaria so far in qualification and defeated them easily at Wembley with a 4-0 thrashing. Bulgaria have so far failed to capitalise on any home advantage so far in qualifying, they lost at home to Montenegro and then were held 0-0 when hosting Switzerland. There is little to suggest that Bulgaria are capable of getting any sort of result against England and Fabio Capello's men will be looking to maintain their winning streak away from home in this qualifying group.
The price on England is a little prohibitive for some punters though so there could be more value in backing Wayne Rooney to score first. Even if he plays up front with a partner he still makes plenty of appeal, he is looking fitter and sharper than ever and can transfer his great start to the club season to international level by opening the scoring.