England thought that the appointment of
Fabio Capello would help to enhance their chances of winning a second
World Cup, although it was a stuttering performance against USA which
only saw the Three Lions manage a draw. Therefore, it’s imperative
that they take all three points from this contest, especially as
Germany are likely to play the runner-up in Group C.
England should be too strong for the
Desert Foxes, especially as they were well on their way to beating
the Americans before Robert Green’s unfortunate slip-up. Wayne
Rooney should find a few chances coming his way and the Algerian
defence might struggle to cope with the aerial threat of Emile
Heskey.
Algeria were pretty poor in their
opening match against Slovenia, where they failed to create any
clear-cut goalscoring opportunities. Manager Rabah Saadane is likely
to keep faith with goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi after his mistake led
to defeat on Sunday and the latter should be kept very busy against a
determined Three Lions team determined to show they can go far in
this competition.
PREDICTION:
ENGLAND
HT FT @ 1.66 with Ladbrokes
Power Rating
Squad (4/5)
There are definite weaknesses, especially in defence and with the goalkeeper but this is a well-balanced and, above all, highly disciplined side that can go far.
Squad (2/5)
Largely dependent on players with Algerian backgrounds who did not quite make the grade in French football it lacks real quality.
Coach (5/5)
It is hard to think of anyone better than this art-loving Italian to direct England. Thus far the highlight of his career was overseeing Milan's 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in the 1994 Champions League final. This could top it.
Coach (5/5)
Rabah Saadane's place in Algerian football is absolutely secure and barring an absolute humiliation in South Africa, nothing will undermine that.
Attack (4.5/5)
Plenty of options that all revolve around Wayne Rooney. Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe have proved their international credentials while Gerrard and Lampard are capable of providing goals from midfield.
Attack (2/5)
It is young but lightweight and perhaps significantly Algeria struggled away from home throughout their qualification campaign.
Defence (3/5)
Rio Ferdinand and John Terry have real class but the fitness concerns over Ashley Cole mean there is nobody of comparable ability at full-back and this plus the lack of a great keeper mean England will always be vulnerable.
Defence (3/5)
Strong and ruggedly effective. This is a side that knows how to defend and in Khartoum they played as if their lives depended on keeping a clean sheet.