Kick-off: 1945, 14/10/2019
Stadium: Vasil Levski National Stadium
TV: ITV
England will be determined to quickly exorcise the demons of Friday’s loss in the Czech Republic when visiting Bulgaria in Euro 2020 Group A.
The Three Lions tamely surrendered a decade-long, 43-match unbeaten run in European and World Cup qualifying matches in Prague but are expected to get back on track in Sofia.
They beat their next opponents 4-0 at Wembley last month and 17/20 for another win without conceding here is our initial Bulgaria vs England prediction.
A Look At Bulgaria’s Betting Odds
Bulgaria are bottom of the pool after picking up just a third point in six fixtures when drawing 0-0 away to fellow strugglers Montenegro.
Georgi Kostadinov came close to snatching a late victory for the Lions, but Plamen Iliev was the busier of the two goalkeepers overall.
To be fair, Bulgaria have been competitive in most of their matches, also drawing at home to Montenegro and in Kosovo at the start of the campaign.
Krasimir Balakov’s side only went down 2-1 to the Czech Republic on the road and were just undone by a stoppage-time sickener in a 3-2 home loss to Kosovo.
However, that Wembley drubbing and a 3-1 friendly defeat against the Republic of Ireland three days later exposed their limitations.
Looking at the Bulgaria vs England odds, we’re anticipating a clinical performance from the visitors and 21/4 for a 2-0 away win takes the eye.
A Look At England’s Betting Odds
England failed to heed the warnings of a sloppy 5-3 triumph over Kosovo in Southampton last month when travelling to the Czech Republic.
Harry Kane’s fifth-minute penalty gave them a great start in Prague, but Jakub Brabec quickly levelled and substitute Zdenek Ondrasek snatched victory for the hosts late on.
“We didn’t play well enough, simple as that,” moaned Gareth Southgate. “We conceded possession of the ball too cheaply.
“In terms of a wake-up call, I think we’ve had a lot of plaudits, but I think we’ve always maintained that there’s a lot of work to be done to be a really top team. I think this was clear evidence of that.
“We have to respond in the right way. We have a couple of days to regroup, not long, and we have to reward our supporters with a better performance than we gave here.”
Southgate is expected to tinker with his tactics to make England tighter at the back, especially after conceding early on in three of their last four qualifiers.
That may also lead to a dip in intensity going forward, so 23/10 they are just 1-0 ahead at half-time is added to our Bulgaria vs England betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
Montenegro 0-0 BULGARIA
Czech Republic 2-1 ENGLAND – Harry Kane (pen)
Head-to-head: England 4-0 Bulgaria, Bulgaria 0-3 England, England 4-0 Bulgaria
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