Algeria: Bougherra draws on experience

Algeria defender Madjid Bougherra believes his experience in British football will help keep the likes of Wayne Rooney at bay when they meet England next week.

The Rangers centre-back, who previously played for Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday, thinks he has benefited greatly from playing European football with the Scottish champions.

And although Algeria's opening Group C match is against Slovenia in Polokwane on Sunday, Bougherra admits it is the clash with Fabio Capello's side a week today in Cape Town which is his biggest challenge.

"It can help me," said Bougherra of his career in the UK.

"I play in a big team, I played Champions League so I have learned a mentality change - I want to win every game.

"It is British football so this can help me with England."

Algeria's new captain for Sunday's match, Antar Yahia, has had an injury scare just over 48 hours before he is due to lead out the team.

The defender was given the captain's armband after manager Rabah Saadane dropped skipper Yazid Mansouri because of his poor form.

However, the 28-year-old, who has expressed his desire to leave relegated Bundesliga side Bochum this summer, injured his left ankle in training after a clash with third-choice goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi and limped off before the end of the session.