Euro 2020 Qualifiers: England vs Bulgaria – tactical analysis

Matchday five in Euro Qualifying Group A saw England entertain Bulgaria in a one-sided affair at Wembley. The hosts of next years final continued to make the most of a kind group draw by taking their goal difference to +12 with another thumping victory. A third successive win for Gareth Southgates men sees them take top spot in the group as they cruise towards a comfortable qualification.

In this tactical analysis, we look at how England broke down the resilient Bulgarian tactics in their latest Euro 2020 qualifying fixture.

Lineups

Southgate opted for a 4-3-3 shape using Declan Rice at the bottom of a midfield three containing Jordan Henderson and Ross Barkley. Michael Keane was given his eighth senior cap as he started in a centre-back pairing with the most expensive defender in the world, Harry Maguire. Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling offered the attacking threat, as they used their pace and movement off the flanks to support Harry Kane. Ex-club teammates Danny Rose and Keiran Trippier provided the width as they pushed forward in an attempt to stretch the opposition.

Bulgaria lined up in a rigid 5-4-1 formation, a shape theyve used 17% of the time in the last calendar year. Krasimir Balakov instructed his side to defend tightly from a low block and look to transition quickly into attack as England encroached high up the field. The defensive shape didnt save the away side from conceding, however, as England racked up a total xG of 3.36 despite the reduced space. Danger man and captain Ivelin Popov earned his 85th cap for the away side as he started in the centre of midfield. Marcelinho started as the lone striker, who had the difficult job of punishing Englands high line with his speed in behind.

Englands build-up vs the Bulgarian defence

There were no surprises for England when the Bulgarians sat deep into their defensive shape from the outset. The challenge for the Three Lions was always going to be around breaking down the rigid structure.

The home side were afforded plenty of