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England face a crucial encounter with Algeria on Friday as they seek to restore confidence in their ability to make an impact at the World Cup.
Fabio Capello’s superstar team go into the Group C game in Cape Town under considerably more pressure than they would want after Robert Green’s howler gifted the United States a point in their opening match.
Whether the West Ham goalkeeper retains his place will be closely watched, with David James and Joe Hart gnashing at the bit in the wings.
Capello will definitely be without Ledley King who has a groin strain, meaning Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is expected to start alongside John Terry, although Matthew Upson is another option.
In a boost, England’s midfield should be bolstered by the return of Gareth Barry from an ankle injury, which would allow captain Steven Gerrard to return to a more offensive role.
That will mean James Milner, who was taken off after only half an hour against the USA, on the substitutes bench.
The team has also been lifted with star striker Wayne Rooney and Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole returning to training on Tuesday after the duo had been restricted to gym and pool work following knocks in the opening game.
Gerrard acknowledged that England must win both of their remaining games.
“It would have been nice to start with three points but we conceded a goal at a bad time after going ahead. It was a shock and a setback to concede but I think we played okay,” he said.
“The target now has got to be seven points,” added the Liverpool midfielder, who scored in the fourth minute against the Americans.
Big things are expected of England and their opening performance drew flak, with Capello’s selection of Green seeing his judgement seriously questioned for the first time since he became the country’s coach.
They have also come under criticism from the legendary former Germany player and coach Franz Beckenbauer, who accused them of going backwards in their development and reverting to a basic kick and run style.
Carragher urged disgruntled England fans to keep faith with Capello.
“He is Fabio Capello. Look what he has done in his career, at what he has done with England, how we qualified,” he said.
“His record as a manager is unblemished. That gives you belief on its own.”
West Ham defender Upson, meanwhile, said the team was happy to ignore Beckenbauer’s comments.
“If that’s what he feels about our style of play that’s his opinion,” he said.
“We’ll play the football that suits us best and if it means we win games we’ll play according to that.”
Algeria, who have never faced England before, know that they too need a win, having crashed 1-0 to Slovenia in their opening game.
Captain Anther Yahia believes they can cause problems.
“We have qualities which should shine through,” said the 28-year-old who plays club football for VfL Bochum in Germany.
“We are going to pose problems for the English. We will be more ambitious (than against Slovenia) and it is a role that suits us better.”
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