Bulgaria look to Brazilian blend

BULGARIA are already playing for little but pride against England tomorrow after a disappointing show in Group A.

They were off the pace at Wembley in the 4-0 thumping by Gareth Southgate’s men last month and need a minor miracle to qualify after losing twice more and drawing three times in their opening six games.

Even so, they’d love to follow the Czech Republic’s lead and give England another bloody nose in Sofia.

Here, takes a look at the three star men they will need to be at their best if that is going to happen...

THE Brazil-born midfielder, 35, was one of Bulgaria’s best players at Wembley in September. Not that he had a good game, he just wasn’t awful. Apart from a year in the Middle East, he played all his football in Brazil before joining Bulgarian side Ludogorets in 2011. Two years later he qualified for citizenship and in 2016 made his debut for Bulgaria.

BULGARIA’S main goal threat will come from striker Kraev, 22, who plays for Gil Vicente in Portugal on loan from Danish side Midtylland.

He made his name at Levski Sofia, scoring 22 goals in 83 games, and has found the net twice in 11 internationals since his debut in 2017.

He scored Vicente’s winner in a shock 2-1 derby over Porto.

ANOTHER naturalised Bulgarian from Brazil. Most famous for a goal celebration going wrong. The Ludogorets star, 31, raced to the sidelines to kiss his girlfriend after scoring against Slavia Sofia. But the goal was ruled offside – leaving him red-faced.

He was disappointing against England last month and will be keen to make amends.