England’s players were subjected to racist abuse from Bulgaria fans with the match twice halted in the first half.
The referee could be seen in long discussions with Harry Kane halfway through the first half over concerns of racist abuse from the crowd.
The game was briefly stopped as step one of UEFA’s anti-racism protocol took place in the 28th minute.
An announcement was made over the public address system that if the racist behaviour continued then the referee may suspend the match.
Gareth Southgate could then be further seen talking to officials about the issue and the match was halted for a second time but the match continued until half-time.
There has also been much talk of potential racist abuse, with the Vasil Levski National Stadium’s capacity reduced by 5,000 seats following UEFA sanctions for racism in earlier qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Kosovo.
England were leading 4-0 at half-time as they dominated the match in Sofia.
Ross Barkley passed to Marcus Rashford and, after sitting a Bulgarian defender on his backside, the Manchester United man arrowed in a seventh-minute opener from an acute angle, although goalkeeper Plamen Iliev should have done better.
Barkley this time the goalscorer as he tapped in Raheem Sterling’s cross after the Manchester City forward broke in behind the Bulgaria defence.
England extended their lead further as Kane crossed for Barkley to head in – the Chelsea man having been involved in all three of England’s goals in the opening 32 minutes.
Raheem Sterling then added a fourth in added time to put the result further beyond doubt.
