England made easy work of a poor Bulgarian side at the Vasil Levski Stadium, with a 3-0 win courtesy of a Gary Cahill strike and a brace from Wayne Rooney.
The victory was a major boost to Fabio Capello who has been under increasing pressure following England’s dropped points against Switzerland in their last outing, but last night’s result has all but confirmed qualification to next year’s Euro Championship.
It was a walk in the park for England and Fabio Capello was certainly justified in his selections of Gary Cahill and Scott Parker – who in particular put in an excellent display alongside Gareth Barry, as Capello chose to overlook Lampard on this occasion. It was a snub for the Chelsea man and questions will undoubtedly be raised over his international future under the Italian.
Cahill fired England into the lead in the 13th minute getting on the end of Gareth Barry’s cross to score his first goal for his country. The Bulgarian defence were struggling with the crosses delivered into their box and it wasn’t long after when Wayne Rooney rose to meet Stewart Downing’s cross to double England’s lead. The Bulgarian’s just weren’t at the races at all and England could have stretched their advantage on numerous occasions until Wayne Rooney finished off a fine team move involving Ashley Young and Theo Walcott to make it 3-0 on the stroke of half time.
The second half never really got going and at times was played at a pedestrian pace as England saw the game out with consummate ease with Joe Hart arguably having his easiest game in the three lion’s jersey. The result puts England in pole position for qualification ahead of Wales’ visit to Wembley on Tuesday night.
