England v Algeria Steven Gerrard win and party with Wayne Rooney
England skipper Steven Gerrard has called on his players to proclaim themselves at the World Cup with a convincing victory over Algeria. The Three Lions have received much criticism following their opening draw with the United States, and will be looking for a major improvement.
Gerrard is adamant that the entire squad are determined to show that their critics, are wide of the mark, and show everybody why England are regarded as one of the favourites for the tournament.
"We hope we can join the World Cup party now," said Gerrard. That's the idea, to put on a good performance as soon as we can.
"We didn't manage that against the USA as we never clicked for the whole 90 minutes.
"Hopefully that will happen in this game and then everyone will be a lot more positive afterwards."
Gerrard stated, I think we have to push on now. Obviously, we wanted to get the three points from the first game and were disappointed to get just one, but now we have to push on and get stronger.
"The dangerous thing now is to underestimate Algeria and think it's an automatic three points, which it's not going to be."
Meanwhile, England attacker Jermain Defoe insists he will be geared up and ready for action, if called into the side to face Algeria.
Emile Heskey partnered Wayne Rooney in attack against the USA and he was substituted by Peter Crouch in the second half. But coach Fabio Capello has yet to verify who will line up beside Rooney against the Desert Foxes, and Defoe says he is feeling positive about his form, should he get the nod.
He said, "I'm ready. In training I feel sharp and I'm ready, definitely."
Capello has a reputation for being a stern authoritarian but Defoe, 27, insists the Italian tactician has got the right sense of balance.
"Obviously the manager is extremely disciplined but the manager is also cool and he's got good banter," he added. He joins in and is always laughing and stuff. But when we're training, we've got to do it right."
In the meantime, winger Shaun Wright-Phillips confessed he was thrilled to come on in the opening phase against the USA.
He said: "It was a very good surprise, I couldn't have wanted any more than that.
"It was a step getting here and then another giant step to actually get on the pitch and play for the country in such a big tournament."
However, Wright-Phillips may have to be content with a place on the bench, as the return of Gareth Barry may mean that Captain, Steven Gerrard could be pushed into a more attacking role.
The Three Lions skipper grabbed his team's only goal in the 1-1 draw with the USA, but he was forced to drop deeper, and his disappointing midfield partnership with Frank Lampard has again come under scrutiny.
As a consequence, Barry's recuperation from the ankle injury he picked up while playing for Manchester City, has led England manager Fabio Capello to divulge that the midfielder will come back to the starting line up for the match against Algeria.
Gerrard is delighted with the news and has nothing but admiration for Barry, and hopes that his reinforcement will offer him a licence to roam.
"It is great to have Gareth back. He is a terrific passer of the ball, he is so calm in possession," said Gerrard. He gives protection to the two centre-halves if they need it and he has been fantastic for England during the past two years. His return to the side really strengthens the starting XI."
Gerrard added, "It is not for me to prejudge what the manager is going to do and I will do whatever job the manager asks me to do to the best of my ability.
"But, if I am able to play in a more attacking role, then it suits me and I will look forward to that."
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