England v Bulgaria preview

England return to competitive action for the first time since the World Cup with a Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday.

When the Three Lions set out on their quest to reach South Africa two years ago they had a point to prove after missing out on the previous European Championship, although the arrival of Fabio Capello at least brought with it fresh hope.

England responded in magnificent style with a near-faultless qualification campaign and will now be hoping to replicate that success and book their place in Poland and Ukraine.

But the sound of criticism is ringing in the ears of Capello and his men after a dismal World Cup, when a series of unconvincing performances in the group stage was followed by the humiliation of a 4-1 defeat to fierce rivals Germany.

The infamous 'goal that wasn't' from Frank Lampard could not mask England's shortcomings and the manager's future came under intense scrutiny from not only the fans and media but also the Football Association.

Capello was eventually backed to continue in the role and, after having faith shown in him by his employers, the Italian has extended the same generosity to many of the players that toiled over the summer.

Despite pledging to look to the future and introducing a number of young players into his squad for the narrow friendly victory over Hungary last month, the team that lines up against Bulgaria is likely to have a very familiar look to it.

Chelsea duo Frank Lampard (groin) and John Terry (hamstring) may have been ruled out but apart from two enforced changes, the outfield players may be the same that were so outclassed by Germany.

Phil Jagielka is expected to slot into defence alongside Glen Johnson, Ashley Cole and Matthew Upson after shaking off an ankle problem.

Lampard's injury creates space for in-form Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, with James Milner switching from the right in a midfield also containing Gareth Barry and captain Steven Gerrard.

Capello admitted on the eve of the match that he knew 10 members of the starting XI but Jermain Defoe is expected to get the nod up front to partner Wayne Rooney, who has not scored an international goal for 12 months.

Joe Hart was the third-choice goalkeeper during the World Cup but has been promoted to No.1, partly due to Robert Green's mistake against USA and David James' age but also because he has started the season in splendid form for Manchester City.

Bulgaria news

Bulgaria will be without their most famous player as Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has retired from international football, but there will still be some recognisable faces in manager Stanimir Stoilov's side.

Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov is a key player in central midfield and namesake Martin, of Bolton, has the pace and trickery to trouble any full-back down the wing.

Former Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov is also in the squad and Stoilov has insisted Bulgaria will be coming to Wembley with attacking intent.

"In a game like this, a win for us would be the perfect result but we hope not to lose," he said.

"We have to fight to achieve that goal but we will try to play football and, in a game like this, you never know."

Bulgaria face Montenegro in their second match on Tuesday, with Wales and Switzerland the other teams in Group G.