This was a disappointing result for England who needed the three points from this game after their defeat by Sweden last month. With Paul Ince missing through suspension Rob Lee was brought in to the side, Andy Hinchcliffe replaced Graeme Le Saux and Gary Neville was brought in for an injured Tony Adams.

England made the brightest start to the game with Michael Owen almost scoring two early goals, his first attempt - a header - missed the target by inches, then a shot went over the bar. Sol Campbell also had an opportunity to give England an advantage but he headed the ball wide from Anderton's pass.

During the first half Bulgaria only had one real opportunity to score which came through Stoichkov but he hit the ball straight at David Seaman. England on the other hand created many chances but it was to no avail. After just over thirty minutes of play Hinchcliffe was replaced by Le Saux due to a groin problem. This did not stop England surging forward. Owen seemed to have the best chances but denied himself the opening goal when Scholes played the ball through to the Liverpool player, but the youngster couldn't take advantage of the play.

Once the second half was under way roles were reversed as Bulgaria, through Hristov, made an encouraging start. The home side though continued with their strive to break the deadlock but despite their attacking play it was the visitors who could have taken the lead if it were not for Southgate who prevented Stoichkov picking up the ball from Hristov. Then England were denied a penalty when Lankov raised his arm to the ball but the referee saw nothing untoward despite protests by the England team.

The England bench made a last ditch effort with just under a quarter of an hour remaining when they sent on Sheringham for Scholes but the much needed goal did not come and England left Wembley to the boos from fans.

Teams

ENGLAND:
Seaman, G Neville, Hinchcliffe (Le Saux 34 mins), Lee, Campbell, Southgate, Anderton (Batty 67 mins), Redknapp, Shearer, Owen, Scholes (Sheringham 76 mins).
Subs Not Used: Keown, Martyn, Butt, Wright.

BULGARIA:
Zdravkov, Kichichev, Zagorchich, Naidenov, Jordanov, Iankov, Kirilov, Stoichkov (Batchev 60 mins), Hristov (G Ivanov 90 mins), Petkov, Iliev (Gruev 63 mins).
Subs Not Used: Ivankov, Trendapilov, V Ivanov.

Match Details

England Cautions: Anderton, Redknapp
Bulgaria Cautions: Kichivchev

Referee: Laszlo Vagner (Hungary)

Attendance: 72,974