European Championship 2012 - England Vs Bulgaria (1-0) Half time report
England: Hart, Glen Johnson, Jagielka, Dawson, Ashley Cole, Walcott, Gerrard, Barry, Milner, Defoe, Rooney
Subs: Foster, Gibbs, Cahill, Carrick, Adam Johnson, Young, Bent
Bulgaria: Mihailov, Ivanov, Milanov, Manolev, Iliyan Stoyanov, Yankov, Angelov, Stiliyan Petrov, Martin Petrov, Bojinov, Popov
Subs: Vladislav Stoyanov, Minev, Kamburov, Rangelov, Peev, Domovchiyski, Genchev
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
In what would be a crucial Euro 2012 qualifer, England host Bulgaria at the Wembley stadium. Jermain Defoe scored the only goal of the half at three minutes. The goal was a brilliant one from the Spurs forward, putting the host in a comfortable lead. The team has shown good strength in the game since the World Cup and several new faces have joined the side. Although there were no Terry or Ferdinand at the back, Dawson and Jagielka formed a good partnership. Youngster Walcott and Milner were given their starts on the wings, with Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney partnering the goal scorer up front.
There is a lot of experience in the midfield as England Captain Steven Gerrard and Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry took the midfield. The team has combined very well and Fabio Capello seems to be learning from his mistakes. With the inclusion of Joe Hart at the back, the team has really solidified on the goal keeping front. England drew against rivals USA due to the fumble by West Ham Goalkeeper Robert Green in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The England nation is now expecting to see their beloved heroes perform on the highest level against the Bulgarians.
At the 20th minute mark, Liverpool full back Glen Johnson almost leveled things up for the visitors. The player deflected the ball and it could have been the equalizing own goal. However, Manchester City goal keeper Joe Hart saved the shot just in time to save the full back’s blunder. England will be looking to wrap things up in the next half with one more goal to register a comfortable win for the Red Lions.
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