Gerrard is eager to be unleashed

The abject failure of the Three Lions in South Africa during the summer means only a winning start to Euro 2012 qualification at home to Bulgaria will do.

Even then, as Gareth Barry admitted earlier in the week, it is unlikely to be enough to win over a sceptical public in the short-term.

Gerrard, who will again wear the captain's armband in the absence of the recuperating Rio Ferdinand, said: "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 will really help if we put in a good performance and get the maximum points. Then we can obviously take the confidence from that into the Switzerland game on Tuesday.

"It is very important that we make a statement and show that we want to win the group and qualify comfortably.

"We qualified for the World Cup playing good, attacking football.

"If we can perform at that level, I am sure we will get out of this group in similar fashion. The difficult thing is there is slightly more pressure on us this time around and we have to cope with that."

England will be without John Terry and Frank Lampard through injury for what, on paper, should be a relatively straight-forward game.

Bulgaria could only finish third in the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup behind Italy and the Republic of Ireland. They have also since lost Dimitar Berbatov after the Manchester United striker opted to retire from international football in the wake of his country's failure to reach South Africa.

The imponderable tonight, however, is how the home players cope with an expectant Wembley crowd who are likely, following the summer letdown, to be unforgiving should the game start to go against England.

Capello realises this, hence the make-up of his starting line-up is likely to be more evolution than the revolution many were calling for in the wake of the World Cup.

Cool heads will be needed on what could be a demanding evening, though it is expected that Theo Walcott will be unleashed on the Bulgarians following his impressive start to the Premier League season as James Milner deputises for Lampard.

Gerrard said: "After the team under-performed in South Africa there have been changes made. With injuries to big players as well, it is a fantastic opportunity for players to perform well and give the manager something to think about when we get together again."

Asked whether he might be employed in a more attacking role against the Bulgarians following his two goals against Hungary in last month's friendly win, Gerrard replied: "We will have to wait and see. The team hasn't been picked yet.

"Obviously, I relish a position on the pitch where I can get forward and support the attacking players. So, we will have to wait and see what the manager decides to do, but I would love that opportunity."

Capello's team selection will be just one of several fascinating aspects of an opening night in Group G that also sees Wales travel to Montenegro.

Chief among those will be how Wayne Rooney fares, the striker having not scored in international football for 10 games and having looked a pale shadow of himself in the World Cup.

The Manchester United striker will go into the meeting with Bulgaria having at least ended his domestic goal drought with a penalty in last Saturday's win over West Ham United.

After being told yesterday that Rooney was favourite to open the scoring, Capello said: "I hope Wayne Rooney will score. Sometimes the bookmakers find a solution.

"It was important for him to get the penalty against West Ham. It is important for every forward to score goals. It is a good moment for him and he will be okay for the game against Bulgaria."

Capello is too experienced to publicly agree with his captain that the pressure is mounting on his side.

Similarly, there is little chance of the Italian admitting how serious failure either tonight or against Switzerland on Tuesday would be in terms of repairing his own reputation.

Like his players, redemption is only likely to come with a good showing at Euro 2012 but, for the moment, he is only looking as far ahead as 8pm tonight.

Capello said: "The players have trained very well. They were compact with a good spirit. We have to play well and we have to win.

"I am always enthusiastic about my job. When you win, you are the best. When you lose, you are the worst. You have to live with both moments."