England 0-0 Algeria
MATCH SUMMARY
# Man of the Match: - Nadir Belhadj. He showed plenty of acceleration throughout and was always looking to get the cross in, causing Glen Johnson plenty of problems. In defence, he also made a crucial interception when Emile Heskey was through on goal. Karim Ziani was also impressive early on, pulling the strings in midfield, although he faded as the game went on.
Note: Official MOM - Ashley Cole (England)
# England verdict: Completely outfought and constantly outnumbered in the middle of the field, England always seemed hurried and never had the opportunity to build their self-confidence. As the game went on, their passing grew steadily worse and worse. Despite having suffered similar problems using a 4-4-2 against a 4-5-1 in the first half of the warm-up match against Japan, it was surprising to see Fabio Capello so reluctant to bring on someone like Joe Cole or even Michael Carrick to help assert some control.
# Algeria verdict: From the off, they looked more composed in possession and comfortable with their gameplan, restricting the space for England in midfield by playing a 4-5-1 formation and breaking at pace. While they never looked likely to win it, they will feel they have carried out their plans to perfection and were the better team on the night.
# Could do better: Wayne Rooney - As so often for England, he looked frustrated and isolated, but even his usually assured touch completely deserted him against Algeria. With Emile Heskey putting in a poor performance, too, England's attacks constantly broke down as soon as they reached the front two.
# Stat attack: Algeria had never kept a clean sheet in their previous seven World Cup matches.
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