Despite being rank outsiders to progress through Group C, Algeria have not ruled out causing a shock or two. In fact, Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj reckons that England’s injury problems and stuttering form against Japan leave the door wide open.

 

The 27 year-old said ‘On paper England are the best team but they have had some difficulties. We have seen gaps in their defence’. The Algerians are strong in one-on-one scenarios and with an improvement in their disciplinary record, any repeat of the defensive frailties that gave Japan so many chances may leave England open to what would be a major shock during the World Cup.