***Official Thread - ENGLAND v ALGERIA - 7.30pm***

[Pavilionaire]

I reckon Algeria will put 11 men behind the ball and we'll be average again and draw, but then start looking good in the next game when the pressure is on to beat Slovenia.

Surely Algeria have to go for the win, bearing in mind a draw would have them bottom of the group and Slovenia already have 4 points?

I'm expecting a fairly open contest. It could get tasty if we go a couple of goals up though - I'd get Rooney and Gerrard off sharpish in case of injuries / cards, and I fancy Defoe for a goal.

 

[perseus]

Sky Bet make England heavy 1/4 favourites for this one, with the draw a 5/1 shot and Algeria 10/1. They reported earlier this afternoon they were seeing the 'patriotic punt' with England supported to win the match and on the handicap with a -2 goal start.

The other two Group C teams faced off earlier, with the USA coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Slovenia. That means a win for England will take them top of the group on goal difference, while Algeria are looking to secure their first point(s) of the tournament after defeat by Slovenia first time out.

Confirmation of that line as we get the England team: James; Johnson, Carragher, Terry, A Cole; Lennon, Lampard, Barry, Gerrard; Heskey, Rooney.

Comment:

Algeria have two good defenders.

 

[Les Biehn]

My relief at Barry being back in is canceled out by that lump Carragher starting. And I really hope Capello brings Cole on for Heskey at some point.

 

[Muzzman]

"Ladies and Gentleman, England will be playing 4-4-f***ing-2"

 

[perseus]

ALGERIA

23. Rais M'Bohli
2. Madjid Bougherra
3. Nadir Belhadj
4. Anthar Yahia
21. Foued Kadir
19. Hassan Yebda
8. Mehdi Lacen
5. Rafik Halliche
7. Ryad Boudebouz
15. Karim Ziani
13. Karim Matmour

Anthar Yahia looked a good player to me.

 

[Robdinho]

Why has Crouch not been mentioned as an option this week? Surely this is the type of opposition he's score a hatful against!

 

[perseus]

If Algeria play five at the back, I would tend to play 4-3-3 and the England team looks like it is set up for this. I am glad James is playing for us.

 

[1066familyman]

3-0 England.

 

[Guy Fawkes]

According to a channel 4 news graphic a few moments ago, Adam Johnson is playing at right back and they can't make their mind up who is in goal, the graphic says James the reporter says Green

 

[RexCathedra]

Under the circumstances, surely two simultaneous keepers is just the prudent thing to do....

 

[SUIYHP]

The bird on the goal looks quite pleased with himself or herself I guess

 

[Beach Hut]

Unconvincing punch by Calamity James

 

[perseus]

Ryad Boudebouz is getting a mention

 

[Beach Hut]

Carragher going for the own goal

 

[The Wizard]

Rooney has been f***ing shit in the past game and a bit.

 

[Steve Foster]

16 minutes gone & not much between the sides.

 

[Icy Gull]

Currently looking 2nd best to Algeria and worse than the French last night..twats

 

[jordanseagull]

Really poor start, realllllly poor.

Algeria are delivering into our box at will. We don't seem to want to get to the ball first. What's going on?

 

[The Wizard]

Andy Townsend co-commentating. So now we have to listen to his 'expert' opinion throughout the game.

 

[Smithy]

This is PISS POOR.