Ahead of their Group C clash with England on Friday, Algeria remain cautious despite the poor performance of their next opponents against the USA.

Defender Nadir Belhadj feels that his Portsmouth team-mate David James should face him as replacement for the much-maligned Robert Green. He admitted that he was surprised at James’ omission from the starting line up against the US. “I think James is a far better goalkeeper and much more experienced, and he should be in goal against us later this week.”

Algeria’s own keeper, Chaouchi, whose error gifted Slovenia their winner is expected to keep his place.