Captain Steven Gerrard has called on England to “make a statement” and kick off their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign against Bulgaria on Friday in style (England to win 4-0 – 11/1).

The Three Lions meet Bulgaria at Wembley before a clash in Switzerland on Tuesday and the Liverpool midfielder knows the side are under pressure to perform following the hugely-disappointing World Cup showing in South Africa.

Gerrard believes it is a great chance for some up-and-coming international players to stake a claim for a regular squad place and he says Fabio Capello’s men must show what they are really capable of in the games.

“After the team underperformed in South Africa there have been changes made,” explained Gerrard, who is on offer at 11/2 to score first against Bulgaria.

“And with injuries to big players as well it’s a fantastic opportunity for players to perform well and give the manager something to think about when we get together again.”

He added: “The players and the manager realise that we are under pressure at the moment, which is normal after under-performing at the World Cup.

“It’ll really help if we put in a good performance tomorrow and get the maximum points. Then we can obviously take the confidence from that into the Switzerland game on Tuesday.

“It’s very important that we make a statement and show that we want to win the group and qualify comfortably.”