Johannesburg, June 22 (DPA) England’s football World Cup is in the balance with everything up for grabs Wednesday for all the four teams in Group C.
England must in reality beat group leaders Slovenia, who only need a draw in Port Elizabeth to progress to the last 16.
In Pretoria, the United States will advance with a win over Algeria but the north Africans can also go through with a victory, although they will need some help with the result of the other game.
England know they need to find their form after tame draws against the US and Algeria. A win will guarantee a place in the knock-out stage and might be good enough for them to finish top.
Even a high-scoring draw might suffice providing the US-Algeria game also ends in a draw but it is the most unlikeliest of the scenarios.
Frustration in the side boiled over this week with manager Fabio Capello slapping down former captain John Terry’s talk of dissent.
Midfielder Frank Lampard, however, insisted Capello will inspire his side against Slovenia.
‘He’s a strong manager and his style is very strong but we respect him very much, have faith in him and have faith we’ll win on Wednesday,’ he said,
With Jamie Carragher suspended and Ledley King injured, Matthew Upson will come in to start alongside Terry in the centre of England’s defence, but there could be tactical changes elsewhere, with Joe Cole a possible starter in midfield.
Slovenia defender Marko Suler is likely to miss out with a rib injury, and will be replaced by Matej Mavric.
Forward Zlatko Dedic has recovered from a hamstring injury, but is unlikely to replace Zlatko Ljubijankic, who scored against the US, as Slovenia need a draw to be assured of advancing.
‘We all know that England is a really good team with big players in their squad, but we are not thinking too much about England – we will concentrate on ourselves and the way we want to play,’ said Slovenia captain Robert Koren.
The US know a win against Algeria will put them through and a draw will be enough if England lose.
‘Algeria are a good team. They’re athletic, they’re good defensively, they made some big tackles during that game against England,’ said forward Clint Dempsey.
‘I think it’s a game that’s going to be tight, but as the game goes on, it’s going to have to open up. We’re going to have to take risks because we know a draw may not get us through.’
After losing their opening group match to Slovenia, Algeria rescued their World Cup campaign by holding England, but now they must secure a victory if they are to progress.
‘We only have one match left and the situation in the group is still open for every team to qualify,’ said coach Rabah Saadane.
Algeria will advance with a win if England also fail to win. If Algeria win and England beat Slovenia, Algeria and Slovenia will be tied on four points with the goal difference deciding.
