Fearless England ready for Algeria
Friday, 18 June 2010
CAPE TOWN, June 17 (AFP): England are in a combative mood ahead of their must-win World Cup encounter with Algeria Friday, with the return of Gareth Barry a boost to their confidence.
Fabio Capello's superstar team go into the Group C game in Cape Town under far 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 remains to be seen, with David James and Joe Hart gnashing at the bit in the wings.
Capello is definitely 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, Barry will play after an ankle injury kept him out of their opener, which would allow captain Steven Gerrard to return to a more offensive role.
"Gareth will play this Friday," Capello told BBC radio. "He is okay, there is no problem. He has trained very well and he is fit."
Barry's teammates have been stressing all week how much he contributes and his recovery will mean James Milner starts on the substitutes' bench.
The team has also been lifted with star striker Wayne Rooney and Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole back in training after the duo were restricted to gym and pool work following knocks in the opening game.
"At the minute I've not seen anyone we should be afraid of," he told reporters.
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.
Rooney, who plundered 33 goals for Manchester United last season, said the players were ignoring the criticism.
"That is his opinion and he is entitled to it. But we don't listen to what he has to say. We certainly don't play kick and rush and we don't take any notice of his comments," he said.
Fabio Capello's superstar team go into the Group C game in Cape Town under far 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 remains to be seen, with David James and Joe Hart gnashing at the bit in the wings.
Capello is definitely 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, Barry will play after an ankle injury kept him out of their opener, which would allow captain Steven Gerrard to return to a more offensive role.
"Gareth will play this Friday," Capello told BBC radio. "He is okay, there is no problem. He has trained very well and he is fit."
Barry's teammates have been stressing all week how much he contributes and his recovery will mean James Milner starts on the substitutes' bench.
The team has also been lifted with star striker Wayne Rooney and Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole back in training after the duo were restricted to gym and pool work following knocks in the opening game.
"At the minute I've not seen anyone we should be afraid of," he told reporters.
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.
Rooney, who plundered 33 goals for Manchester United last season, said the players were ignoring the criticism.
"That is his opinion and he is entitled to it. But we don't listen to what he has to say. We certainly don't play kick and rush and we don't take any notice of his comments," he said.