England’s World Cup is in the balance with everything up for grabs for all four teams in Group C on Wednesday.
England must in reality beat group leaders Slovenia who only need a draw in Port Elizabeth to progress to the last 16.
In Pretoria, the United States will advance with a win over Algeria but the north Africans can also go through with a victory although they will need some help with the result of the other game. England know they need to find their form after tame draws against the US and Algeria. A win will guarantee a place in the knock-out stage and might be good enough for them to finish top.
Even a high-scoring draw might suffice providing the US-Algeria game also ends in a draw but it is the most unlikeliest of the scenarios.
Frustration in the side boiled over this week with manager Fabio Capello slapping down former captain John Terry’s talk of dissent. Midfielder Frank Lampard, however, insisted Capello will inspire his side against Slovenia. “He’s a strong manager and his style is very strong but we respect him very much, have faith in him and have faith we’ll win on Wednesday,” he said.
With Jamie Carragher suspended and Ledley King injured, Matthew Upson will come in to start alongside Terry in the centre of England’s defence, but there could be tactical changes elsewhere, with Joe Cole a possible starter.
Slovenia defender Marko Suler is likely to miss out with a rib injury, and will be replaced by Matej Mavric. Forward Zlatko Dedic has recovered from a hamstring injury, but is unlikely to replace Zlatko Ljubijankic, who scored against the US, as Slovenia need a draw to advance. — DPA