Top News

Cracks appear in England

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-21 11:50

England's coach Fabio Capello (R) has a word with team captain Steven Gerrard during a 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match against Algeria at Green Point stadium in Cape Town June 18, 2010. [Agencies]

England goalkeeper David James has fuelled speculation of mounting discontent in the Three Lions' World Cup camp by publicly disputing Fabio Capello's assertion that the squad played with fear in its goalless draw with Algeria.

Instead, James said Algeria had successfully employed tactics specifically designed to frustrate their opponents.

Related readings:  Algeria holds England to a 0-0 draw  Green joins list of blundering England goalkeepers  England need to re-establish credentials  Goalkeeper blunder hands US 1-1 draw with England

"You are usually playing matches when the opposition wants to win," James said. "It is very difficult when you are up against a side which seems not to want to lose."

With criticism of Capello's authoritarian regime mounting back home, James also made it clear he was not a fan of the Italian's policy of not letting players know if they are in the starting line-up until two hours before games.

The Portsmouth veteran was the beneficiary of that policy on Friday, when he was restored to the side at the expense of Robert Green, who is unlikely to feature again after the mistake that gifted the United States their equalizer in England's first Group C match.

But despite keeping a clean sheet, James does not know if he will be in goal when England take on Slovenia in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday in a match they must win to be sure of reaching the knockout phase of the tournament.

"I have been happy with it (Capello's system) as a starting player and I have to accept it when I haven't started," James said.

"Now the whole process goes on again for Wednesday. The fact I've played one game doesn't mean I'm guaranteed to play the next."

Former England boss Graham Taylor said James' comments indicated all was not well at the squad's luxurious base at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus.