Bulgaria vs England: 5 Things We Learned from 3-0 Euro 2012 Qualifying Win
England moved within touching distance of qualification for the Euro 2012 finals with a 3-0 defeat of Bulgaria in Sofia last night.
Gary Cahill's first goal for his country put Fabio Capello's men ahead, with Wayne Rooney continuing his red-hot start to the season by scoring a brace.
The result means Fabio Capello's team are three points ahead at the top of Group G, and with such a superior goal difference that victory against Wales on Tuesday would effectively seal their spot for next summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Here are five things we learned about England in Sofia.
1. Chris Smalling Can Do the Job
1 of 5Manchester United's Chris Smalling looked assured on his international debut, where he played at right-back.
With Glen Johnson injured, Smalling was preferred to Micah Richards and looks capable of making the spot his own looking ahead to next summer.
Strong in the tackle and in the air, Smalling's pace made sure England weren't exposed on his flank last night.
2. Capello Can Be Bold
2 of 5Fabio Capello surprised most of us last night when he dropped Frank Lampard and went for Stewart Downing and Theo Walcott on the flanks, with Ashley Young supporting Wayne Rooney up front.
Scott Parker and Gareth Barry provided the solid base in central midfield, allowing a more adventurous England to put Bulgaria to the sword.
Let's hope Capello's confidence in his team's attacking abilities was a sign of things to come.
3. England Have a Central Midfield Selection Dilemma
3 of 5Scott Parker and Gareth Barry did exactly what was expected of them to last night. Both defended well and used the ball sensibly.
The question is, do they have enough creative spark to break down the better teams in Europe next summer—the likes of Spain, France and Germany?
Moreover, what will Fabio Capello do when Steven Gerrard returns to fitness? In theory the Liverpool man could operate wide, but that still leaves two central midfield positions to be fought over by Barry, Parker, Frank Lampard, Jack Wilshere and the impressive Tom Cleverley.
Maybe Michael Carrick can force his way back into contention, and Owen Hargreaves could even complete one of the most unlikely comebacks to international football following his move to Manchester City.
Capello clearly has some big decisions to make between now and next summer's finals.
4. Rooney Is the Best in Europe Right Now
4 of 5Wayne Rooney's two goals last night took his tally to seven in his last four games. The Manchester United striker is the hottest player in Europe right now, and appears to have recaptured the enthusiasm his lost for a while last season.
There was a swagger to his play last night that was sorely missing at last summer's World Cup, and he will have England fans again wondering if next year could be their year.
For England to win in Poland and Ukraine, Rooney has to be on song.
5. Rio Ferdinand Might Not Get His Place Back
5 of 5Gary Cahill put in a convincing shift alongside John Terry at the heart of England's defense last night.
The Bolton player, who was a wanted man in the transfer window but ultimately stayed put, is going to be hard to drop if he stays fit.
With Phil Jones also in impressive form for Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand may have to play a waiting game when he returns to fitness.
