Madjid Bougherra is convinced Algeria can breathe fresh life into their World Cup hopes by dumping England. The Rangers star was unable to help the Algerians avoid a 1-0 defeat by Slovenia in their World Cup opener.
 But he reckons England's 1-1 draw with the USA has given his side new belief. The 27-year-old stopper, preparing to take on Fabio Capello's men in Cape Town on Friday, said: "England could only draw on Saturday so there is still hope.

"This next game is the most important for us. Unfortunately, we had Abdelkader Ghezzal red-carded against Slovenia. I think it was unfair and, for sure, we will miss him. "We are not sure whether it is for one or two games but he will not be able to play against England. Whatever happens we need to win that game."

Bougherra believes Algeria have learned from their mistakes in their disappointing opening game. He added: "We are a young team and still improving. "We took a young side to the African Nations Cup and lost our first game there as well but still managed to go as far as the semi-finals. We have a team for the future, with young players, but we are learning all the time.

"England have big players with a good mentality and a lot of experience. It is our (the players') first World Cup so we have nothing to lose. We are not just thinking about the World Cup but also about the future. "We will do our best to portray a good image of Algeria. We have a good spirit and have nothing to lose."

Bougherra, who had stints in England with Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton and Crewe, expects Capello's side to improve after a stuttering start in the 1-1 draw with the United States on Saturday. He said: "It was a strong game between England and the USA. Both teams played hard with a good spirit. "There was frustration for England and also for the USA but it was a good result because it gives us a chance."