England must redeem image against Slovenia

PORT ELIZABETH

England’s World Cup campaign is in tatters with crisis meetings, furious fans, misfiring strikers and splits in the camp and a win against Slovenia today is their only hope of salvation.

In less than two weeks, England have gone from talented contenders to sulking underachievers, presenting unfashionable newcomers Slovenia with a chance to top the standings and revel in the sinking their famous Group C rivals.

Slovenia, who failed to reach the second round on their debut as an independent nation in 2002, lead the group on four points followed by the United States and England on two and Algeria, who play the US in Pretoria, with one.

Typically, the England camp insists all is well, the players are united and fully behind their coach Fabio Capello, but the worst-kept secret is that the Italian’s team selection and strict adherence to a 4-4-2 formation is troubling the squad.

Whether the no-nonsense Capello cares what his players think remains to be seen but he has promised changes to an uninspiring side packed with in-form players who have shone in the Premier League but struggled in an England shirt. Frank Lampard was the first to admit it: "We have to play (here) with that pace and passion that we have every week at home," he said.

Meanwhile, The United States are likely to restructure their midfield once again as they head into their final Group C match with Algeria knowing they must win to guarantee reaching the World Cup second round.

US coach Bob Bradley will be without suspended striker Robbie Findley and is expected to bring in Edson Buddle in attack alongside Jozy Altidore.

But Bradley is also likely to field a different midfield for to end a frustrating habit of conceding early goals.

—Reuters