Cape Town — Algeria need at least a draw in their second World Cup Group C clash against England on Friday to have any chance of reaching the second round, after a disappointing opening 1-0 defeat to Slovenia.
They have a decision to make over their keeper, Faouzi Chaouchi, who let in a howler against the Slovenians. They also face a wait for the result of a late fitness test after he twisted a knee in training on Tuesday.
"We're preparing our second keeper," coach Rabah Saadane told reporters. "We won't know if Chaouchi will be fit until possibly the day of the match. It's a setback.
"England is one of the biggest teams in the tournament. My players will not need any other motivation than they are playing against England. If my team plays against Brazil or England it is a big motivation for them."
Algeria will rely on the likes of Nadir Belhadj, Hassan Yebda and Adlène Guedioura, who all play in England, as well as Madjid Bougherra from Scottish side Rangers, to provide some experience of the opposition.
England will be looking for a morale-boosting win in the clash.
Fabio Capello's men drew 1-1 with the United States in their pool opener last Saturday, not a bad result in itself, but the manner in which goalkeeper Rob Green let the goal in, as well as question marks over the defence and some poor finishing, have left the side facing a barrage of criticism from back home.
Even German legend Franz Beckenbauer has stepped into the fray, calling England's style "hit and hope", and anything short of a commanding and comfortable win will leave the side open to even more mockery.
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The first job for Capello is to decide whether to retain Green in goal, and it is thought he will, but he wants to have a chat with the stopper first to make sure he is mentally fit for the challenge.
"He made one mistake, Robert. But in the second half also he made a great save. They had two chances to score goals and he saved one really well. I have to decide about the keeper because sometimes the mistake remains in the mind of the player and I want to speak with him," Capello said.
It is highly likely that Jamie Carragher will start in central defence for the injured Ledley King, partnering John Terry, ahead of Michael Dawson and Matthew Upson.
Up front it is also likely that Capello will retain Emile Hesky alongside Wayne Rooney, though there is the possibility of Jermain Defoe getting a run.
Despite all the criticism, England's coach maintains that his side are playing well and are confident. But the best way to make people believe him is by winning.
"We are in a really good moment of form because of the game we played against the US," Capello said. "In the second half we finished better than the US and were able to run a lot. This usually happens with us, as the other teams suffer because of the running. For this reason I'm really relaxed about this game."
England and Algeria have never met in international football before.
