Matthaus tells Bulgarians to play like Germans tonight

One-time German footballing legend Lothar Matthaus, who now coaches the Bulgarian national tream, has told his side they must think of themselves as German during tonight's Euro 2012 qualifier against England.

Matthaus, now 50, captained Germany when they defeated England in the 1990 World Cup semi-final (they then beat Argentina in the final) and he is urging Bulgaria to be strong psychologically when they host the leaders of Group G in Sofia.

"I would like to play against England but unfortunately I can't," said Matthaus, who has been in charge of Bulgaria since October last year. "My players must not run like a mouse from a cat ... I want them to play like Germans."

Far from being daunted at the prospect of facing the likes of in-form Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young, Matthaus has told his team to relish the occasion. "To play against a nation with such a great history is very special and the players must know that such games are remembered for a long time," he said.

When Bulgaria travelled to Wembley to play England in the opening qualifying match 12 months ago they were on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline with Jermaine Defoe getting a hat-track.

But while Defoe might be struggling for form these days, his England striking partner Wayne Rooney is back to his best after a quiet 12 months. The Manchester United forward has scored five goals in three league matches this season and has developed a strong understanding at Old Trafford with new teammate Ashley Young.

Young, the former Aston Villa winger, will be sure to feature against the Bulgarians, and there's a good chance a trio of United youngsters will also get a run at some stage in Sofia.

Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have all impressed in United's strong start to the season and England captain John Terry believes they are ready to be blooded at international level. "They are ready to start - they have shown that at United," said Terry. "They have done well at a very big side and they have come into the England squad and felt very assured - and rightly so because they are huge talents."

Midfielder Cleverley has been particularly imposing and with Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere both injured, it will send a positive message if coach Fabio Capello opts for the 22-year-old over veterans Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard, both of whom have consistently failed to deliver in an England shirt.

If Capello is serious about winning next summer's European Championships, the time has come to dispense with the likes of Barry and Lampard who symbolise the years of underachievement. Asked if he was ready to give youth its chance, Capello replied: "I've got a lot of young players and a good mix - I need to find some solutions."

But in what could be construed as a dig at the recent generation of England players, whose commitment to the Three Lions has been questionable, Capello had a message for the youngsters in the squad: "It is important for the players who stay with us to be proud to wear the English shirt. I was proud to wear the Italian shirt and I would stay if I played in the first XI or as a reserve."

The England squad came through a rigorous training session on Thursday and with the exception of Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, who's doubtful because of a groin problem, Capello will be able to choose from the 25-man squad he's selected for tonight's match and the qualifier against Wales at Wembley on Tuesday. ·