Bulgaria have good players and England will have a very hard time against them in Friday's Euro 2012, England's manager Fabio Capello declared in Sofia.

The English national football team arrived in the Bulgarian capital Thursday afternoon, with Capello speaking before Bulgarian and UK journalists at the Kempinski Hotel in Sofia.

"I saw Bulgaria's last two matches against Switzerland and Montenegro and they played very well there. They have strong players. I expect a tough match. We need to watch out for Bulgaria's counter-attacks," Capello warned.

He stressed a win was crucial for his team in Sofia in order not to fall behind from Montenegro in the quest for the first spot in Euro 2012 qualifying group G.

Capello said he respected all of England's opponents but that he feared no one.

Earlier this week, England's head coach Fabio Capello warned against underestimating Bulgaria ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday, September 2.

Capello said Monday he wanted to get six points from England's Euro 2012 qualifiers in September against Bulgaria and Wales.

His goal is to make sure England's final qualifier in Montenegro on October 7 does not turn into a must-win occasion. England are currently level on points with Montenegro at the head of Group G.

However, England have two matches during the forthcoming internationals, and Montenegro only have one.

The Guardian says that "the omens are good" for England who have not lost in nine previous meetings with Bulgaria. The paper reminds the English crushed Bulgaria 4:0 at Wembley in September 2010 in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

Bulgaria are fourth out of 5 teams in qualifying Group G for the Euro 2012 championship after poor performances throughout the past year.

England are first with 11 points, followed by Montenegro, also with 11. Switzerland are third with 5 points – as many as Bulgaria – and Wales are 5th with 0 points.

With two matches left at home against England in September and Wales in October, Bulgaria have only theoretical chances to make it to the second spot in Group G that can give them the opportunity to fight for a place at Euro 2012.

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