England vs. Bulgaria Match Preview – Odds suggest another comfortable victory for the Three Lions

England continue their Euro 2020 campaign against Bulgaria on Saturday.

The Three Lions head into the game boasting the only 100% record in Group A following convincing victories over Czech Republic and Montenegro.

But it was another summer of disappointment this time in the UEFA Nations League finals. Southgate’s side travelled to Portugal confident of claiming their first major trophy since 1966. Defeat to Holland in the semi-finals followed by victory over Switzerland on penalties meant England had to settle for third place. A slight improvement on last year’s 4th place finish in Russia. Progress.

‘You won’t win anything with kids.’

Like most England squads under Gareth Southgate there’s a youthful look for their two home games against Bulgaria and Kosovo.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope is back in the England fold following a season plagued with injury.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka had been given his first call up to the senior squad, but has since dropped out with a back injury. Which leaves Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier, who returns to the squad, battling it out for the right back spot. There’s no place for Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, surprisingly, while Tyrone Mings will be given a chance to claim his first senior cap after impressing for Villa.

Southgate has rewarded Mason Mount and James Maddison for their bright starts to the season with Chelsea and Leicester respectively. There’s also room for Jesse Lingard much to the surprise of many England fans.

Captain Harry Kane is expected to lead the line like usual – 21/10 to score first – with Rashford and Wilson waiting in the wings. Sancho and Sterling have hit the ground running this season and they’re both expected to feature.

114452495 – konskie, poland – september 07, 2018: england national football team logo displayed on a modern smartphone

Best bets

England have bagged 10 goals and conceded just once in two Euro 2020 qualifiers. Southgate’s side are 1/2 to win to nil and 18/5 to score over 4.5 goals.

Bulgaria sit bottom of the group taking just two points from four games. So it’s unlikely they’ll cause England too many problems. That said, they have scored in all four qualifying games so far. It’s 11/4 for England to win and both teams to score.

England head into the game as short as 1/13 in places. For added value England and over 3.5 goals could be a shout at 6/5. The draw is 11/1 and Bulgaria are 28/1 to bag an unlikely win.