No new problems for Capello

17 June 2010 18:18

England reported a clean bill of health for their final training session ahead of Friday's World Cup clash with Algeria in Cape Town.

All 22 players available to head coach, Fabio Capello, were put through their paces by the Italian and his coaching staff.

Central defender, Ledley King, already ruled out of the game with a groin problem, was the only absentee as he continued to undergo rehabilitation work at the team hotel.

Especially keen to make an impression were forward duo Emile Heskey and Jermain Defoe.

Capello had indicated the pair were vying to start alongside Wayne Rooney as England looked to improve on their performance against the United States in last Saturday's 1-1 draw in Rustenburg.

Heskey started that match and laid on England's goal for skipper, Steven Gerrard, but was guilty of poor finishing in the second half when faced with only USA keeper, Tim Howard, to beat.

Defoe has started only one competitive game under Capello - against Andorra in Barcelona nearly two years ago - but his goalscoring record is significantly better than that of Heskey.

He has been on target 11 times in 40 games for his country, while Heskey has managed just seven goals in 58 appearances.

The other major issue was whether Capello would keep faith with Robert Green after his error gifted USA midfielder, Clint Dempsey, an equaliser.

Capello wants to check on Green's mental strength before deciding whether to persevere with the West Ham player or given an opportunity to either Joe Hart or David James.

Source: PA