• Bulgaria v England preview

United's starlets test cautious Capello

Will Fabio Capello trust Tom Cleverley ahead of experienced internationals such as Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry? © PA Photos

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In the wake of the disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign, Fabio Capello vowed to revitalise the England side, and his squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales seems to represent a significant step in that direction.

The inclusion of uncapped Manchester United trio Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Tom Cleverley made headlines, while the withdrawal of goalkeeper Rob Green - leaving the untried duo Frank Fielding and David Stockdale as the only back-up to Joe Hart - also attracted interest.

However, although England have disappointed of late - the recent home draws with Montenegro and Switzerland adding unexpected pressure in what had appeared a straightforward group - Capello's side will almost certainly have a distinct air of familiarity, even in the absence of Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere. Capello has less than a year left in management and, as a pragmatist, he will not take risks on qualification by revolutionising the side at this stage.

Of the expected starters against Bulgaria on Friday night, Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Ashley Cole and Joe Hart were part of the World Cup squad, while Darren Bent, Stewart Downing, Ashley Young, Joleon Lescott and, if he plays ahead of Smalling, Micah Richards have at least ten caps apiece.

With an experienced team at his disposal, Capello has told the press he expects to take maximum points in Sofia, and with good reason. When England met Bulgaria at Wembley in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier, they won 4-0 and, though the final scoreline may have flattered, the result was indicative of a quality gap between the sides.

Bulgaria, currently second bottom in Group G with five points from five games, have improved since their showing in London but have no realistic prospect of qualification. Even a draw with England could end their chances of going through, but boss Lothar Matthaus remains bullish.

"For us, beating them would be a dream," Matthaus said. "We will give it a go in front of our supporters and try to give them a hard time. I am determined to keep fighting as long as a mathematical chance to qualify for Euro 2012 remains. It's important to believe."

Bulgaria, whose star player Dimitar Berbatov has retired from international football, will be without injured centre-back Apostol Popov and midfielder Chavdar Yankov, while Matthaus has left Valeri Bojinov out of the squad as the Sporting striker continues to build up his fitness.

Bulgaria player to watch: Ivelin Popov. With Berbatov no longer available and Bojinov's career hindered by injury problems, Bulgaria have scored only twice in their five Euro 2012 qualifiers to date, and Popov was the man on the scoresheet both times. He is not an out-and-out forward and is by no means prolific, but he also netted both goals in the 2-2 friendly draw with Estonia in February and represents the hosts' best chance of an upset.

England player to watch: Ashley Young. Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson will be vying for a place on the wings but, given their form for Liverpool and Manchester United, it is to be expected that Downing and Young will be given the nod. Downing excelled last season and, at Anfield, has looked better than ever, but Young perhaps represents the greater goal threat. Against Switzerland in June, he came off the bench at half-time to score England's equaliser and, going into the game on the back of two goals for Manchester United in the 8-2 demolition of Arsenal, he should have the confidence to make things happen once more.

Key battle: Stiliyan Petrov v Wayne Rooney. Rooney was suspended for the 2-2 draw with Switzerland and England sorely missed his guile and goalscoring ability. Matthaus has said he will only assign one defender to mark Rooney, but the forward will regularly drift deep in his withdrawn role and Petrov will need to keep tabs on him to cut off the supply.

Trivia: Stiliyan Petrov will equal goalkeeper Borislav Mikhailov's record 102 caps for Bulgaria.

Stats: England have not lost to Bulgaria in nine meetings.

Odds: bet365 offer odds of Bulgaria winning at 7.00, an England win at 1.53 and a draw at 3.75.

Prediction: That England are level on points with Montenegro at the top of Group G is illustrative of their poor form in a relatively easy group, but they are clearly the strongest team in the group and should emerge from Sofia with all three points.

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