England team v Algeria

Against Algeria, Fabio Capello should employ the same approach as that utilized against USA. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard should continue in central-midfield – but Gareth Barry should be afforded some playing time (he can then start against Slovenia.) Without a fit and functioning Barry, Capello is severely limited with regard to how he can configure his midfield. A midfield comprising all three of the above players provides a more robust platform for the side, and this will be crucial when stronger teams are faced in the later rounds. This would move Gerrard back out to the left, and this provides him with more scope to break into attacking areas without compromising the shape of the team. In the absence of a secure/fully fit alternative for central-midfield, Gerrard will be unable to take up this inside-left role, nor a more advanced central position in a 4-2-3-1. For the time being, however, a Gerrard/Lampard axis provides England with a creative midfield engine room.

Emile Heskey showed his value to the side again at the weekend and was probably man of the match. He won a substantial amount in the air and provided a powerful advanced apex to the team structure. Despite his lack of composure in front of goal, he remains the best partner for Wayne Rooney in attack. There is some suggestion that Capello is faced with a tactical dilemma and that Heskey might make way if England make the latter stages of the tournament – with Rooney spearheading the attack as a lone forward in front of Gerrard. Capello is so engrossed by this dilemma he has given the aforementioned Rooney/Gerrard combination a total of 45 minutes playing time – back in 2008! The target-man function will be an increasingly important outlet against the tournament’s best organized teams. There’s little point isolating Rooney in attack against technically adept opposition that will retain the ball well. In such circumstances Rooney will be best deployed behind a forward such as Heskey who can create space via selfless legwork.

Jamie Carragher’s lack of pace was exposed by Jozy Altidore on Saturday, and Algeria would surely seek to exploit a slightly sluggish Carragher/John Terry central-defensive pairing. Carragher is a fine defender, but (with Ledley King absent) Michael Dawson or Matthew Upson could push for a starting place. Upson performed capably next to Terry over the qualifiers, but isn’t the quickest of centre-backs either, whilst Dawson offers more pace but lacks Upson’s international experience. I’ve opted for Dawson, as a pace-free central-defence could become an increasingly sizable millstone as the tournament progresses. But this area of the team will remain a minor concern whoever is selected.

The key change I would make to the side is on the left-flank. James Milner and Shaun Wright-Phillips were both slightly disappointing against USA. Therefore Joe Cole should come into the line-up. Cole is a confident and influential attacking player at international level. With a flyer like Lennon on the right, Cole would offer a broader range of attacking attributes on the left and could move infield if necessary to take up more playmaking duties. If Aaron Lennon fails to fire on the right, then Wright-Phillips could be introduced.

Following Robert Green’s unfortunate error, I’ve selected Joe Hart for goal. Hart looked confident in the pre-tournament game against Japan and should have the self-assurance required to take on an increasingly scrutinized role. I’m not sure Green could be trusted to retain his composure after such a shattering error against USA. Ideally, Green will be selected and have a good game, thereby re-establishing his confidence and position as No.1.