Preview: England vs. Algeria

THE BIG PICTURE

England are in a bit of a shambles in the back right now after the nature of their draw with the US in the opening game. The questions surround Robert Green – whether or not he’s still Fabio’s No. 1 and if so, whether he can come back mentally from his first game howler. Fabio is holding his cards close, but maybe there’s a reflection in the mirror behind…

“Everyone can make mistakes, a goalkeeper, defender, a midfielder or a forward,” he said on the eve of their must-win Group C clash with the Algerians.
“Every player that makes a mistake deserves a second chance,” he added, without naming Green. “I judge a player on his quality and not on his mistakes.”

Well, it sounds like Robert Green will get a crack at the second act. Ledley King, however, won’t, which means Fabio’s likely down to his fourth CB, Jamie Carragher, who was one of the more surprising callups of the tournament. Their confidence may be a bit shaky and though they have strength, it will take an emphatic win to get the pre-World Cup England to South Africa.

Algeria, on the other hand, looked pretty poor against Slovenia and were pegged back for stretches. England is no Slovenia, and the Desert Foxes need to pull another Egypt – qualifying, not Angola – to even have a chance and perhaps becoming the first team to be bounced from the tournament.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

With Slovenia’s win, not unexpected but still an important confidence boost and an even more important three points, the group is a three horse race. England’s obviously strongest on paper and will want to prove that, but after the first round of games, it’s becoming evident the second place in Group C is likely to be playing this new Germany. No one wants that. They also need to avoid a draw or risk fighting against a Slovenian bus for their World Cup lives.

Algeria are simply playing for their World Cup lives – or to become the latest Switzerland. If they lose, their World Cup may be over. If they win….somebody get the troops to the Champs d’Elysees.