England vs Algeria preview, 18/06/10 19:30
England will look to get off to the same start they had against USA but ensure the ending is a very different one. As for Algeria, defeat would see them fail to progress from Group C.
Fabio Capello is refusing to be drawn on the changes he will have to make but the signs are that Jamie Carragher will be the man to step into the fold as cover for the injured Ledley King. With Gareth Barry expected to be thrust into the side for this must-win encounter, it appears James Milner’s World Cup is over as Capello appears to have lost faith in the midfielder.
But the one question all fans want to know is which keeper will go between the sticks. Green may want to put things right but Capello would be wise to err on the side of caution and pick either James or Hart.
Algeria are reeling from their unlucky defeat to Slovenia, a game so dire that its bungled winner only punctuated the dearth of talent in the game. Chaouchi is set to pay for his clumsiness by being replaced by Rais M’Bohli. Elsewhere, Ghezzal’s suspension leaves Algeria desperately short of attacking alternatives, with the highly experienced Rafik Saifi realistically too old for consideration.
While England hope that Slovenia and USA play out a draw, they will know that a win is desperately required to achieve top spot – a second place finish would almost certainly see them drawn against Germany in the Last 16. Algeria have little to offer but tireless running and England will likely record an unspectacular win. Lampard, now in more of a central attacking role as Gerrard will be moved out to the left, will be an influencial figure and a serious goal threat, as well as the well-supplied Wayne Rooney.
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