We can cause problems for England – Algeria captain

Algeria can pose Group C favourites England problems when the two teams clash on Friday in Cape Town, Algerian captain Anther Yahia claimed on Monday.

Both sides go into the match on the back of disappointing opening results, England being held 1-1 by the United States and Algeria losing 1-0 to Slovenia.

However, 28-year-old Yahia, who plays his club football for German side VfL Bochum, insisted that a change of tactics from their first game would suit his team better and cause the English some discomfort.

“We have qualities which should shine through,” said the France-born midfielder, who actually represented France at Under-16 and Under-18 level.

“We are going to pose problems for the English. We will be more ambitious (than agaisnt Slovenia) and it is a role that suits us better.”

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane said all he wanted was for the players to give their all.

“There are two extremely difficult matches remaining (Algeria’s last match is against the USA on June 23) and in which the players have to run themselves into the ground,” said Saadane, who also coached Algeria at the 1986 finals.

“We have to be in the right shape psychologically and tactically.

“England are a superb team. I put them among my favourites. There will be very little change against them in terms of personnel, maybe one or two.”

Mohamed Raouraoua, president of the Algerian football federation, said Algeria were not going to the match simply to lie down and surrender.

“We are not going there just to make up the numbers,” said Raouraoua, who was present at the squad’s training session.