Capello hints Green may get another chance

England coach Fabio Capello strongly hinted on Thursday that under-fire goalkeeper Robert Green could be given another World Cup chance against Algeria on Friday.

Debate has raged over whether the West Ham player should be axed over the extraordinary error that cost England a win in their World Cup opener against the United States.

Veteran David James and Manchester City youngster Joe Hart are waiting in the wings but the unpredictable Italian said every player deserved a second chance.

“Everyone can make mistakes, a goalkeeper, defender, a midfielder or a forward,” he said on the eve of their must-win Group C clash with the Algerians.

“Every player that makes a mistake deserves a second chance,” he added, without naming Green. “I judge a player on his quality and not on his mistakes.”

Green has had to spend this week sweating over whether he will get a chance to redeem himself in Cape Town.

He was put through his paces along with James and Hart in a training session at Green Point Stadium on Thursday but reporters were ushered out before England played a training game.

Capello reacted to Green’s error during the United States match by turning his back on the pitch in clenched jaw fury.

But the goalkeeper revealed this week that the coach, who praised him for a fine second half save from Jozy Altidore, had struck a positive note at the interval.

“He was fine. At half-time, he said ‘it is not a problem, move on’ – and you do that.”

Green’s error has put the spotlight on Capello’s policy of not confirming his team, even to his players, until two hours before kick-off.

Critics say the approach does not engender confidence and may have contributed to Green’s uncharacteristic error.

Capello again refused to reveal his starting 11 at his pre-match press conference but said he knew what it would be.

“I have decided but you’ll have to wait until Friday. Never the day before,” he said.

Capello has revealed though that Gareth Barry is fit and will play after an ankle injury kept him out of their opener, which would allow captain Steven Gerrard to return to a more offensive role.

The team will definitely be without Ledley King who has a groin strain, meaning Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is expected to start alongside John Terry, although Matthew Upson is another option.

Capello knows England must take all three points from the match, but has warned his players not to underestimate Algeria.

“I respect Algeria because I know they can score lots of goals,” he said.

“They are dangerous on the freekicks and corners, and they like to counter- attack and they do it well.

“I’ve watched their past matches and it didn’t seem easy for the opponents. It would be a big mistake to think this match will be easy.”