Fabio Capello insists England will be making a big mistake if they underestimate Algeria tomorrow.
England tackle the north Africans in Cape Town tomorrow and they are expected to grab the win that would put them in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages.
Few expect Algeria to put up any resistance given they lost their opening game against Slovenia last weekend and surprisingly reached South Africa in the first place thanks to a victory over bitter rivals Egypt in a stormy play-off in Sudan.
But Capello is cautioning against over-confidence, insisting Algeria are worthy of the utmost respect.
"I respect Algeria," said the England boss.
"They have scored a lot from counter-attacks and set-pieces and I have learned a lot about them.
"It would be a big mistake to think this game will be easy."
Nevertheless, England did come through the friendly against Egypt in March that was arranged specifically with this match in mind.
And, given the confidence Wayne Rooney expressed yesterday, it is little wonder skipper Steven Gerrard agreed with the sentiment written on a board just outside the media room in the Green Point Stadium, namely "Go strong or go home".
"That's the message," agreed Gerrard.
"We were pleased with the majority of the first performance. The first game is always difficult because there is a lot of tension and pressure. But preparations for this match have gone well.
"Hopefully we will go strong and get a convincing win."
As he hoped, Capello has Gareth Barry available after recovering from the ankle injury that threatened to rule him out of the entire competition.
The Manchester City midfielder will assume a holding role that will allow Gerrard to get forward from the left flank, reconnecting the link with Wayne Rooney that proved to be so effective in a virtually faultless qualifying campaign.
"That is the plan," said Gerrard.
"We had a fantastic understanding in qualification.
"I like playing with good players and I enjoy playing with Wayne. I will certainly be looking to link up well with him.
"Hopefully I can provide a goal for him to get off the mark."
Rooney did show some sign of getting edgy at his lack of goals yesterday.
Finding the net once in 12 months for his country represents a meagre return for a player of such talent.
Gerrard has already confirmed his belief Rooney is capable of stamping his mark across the World Cup and the 30-year-old's view has not changed.
"I said all the way through qualifying, if we get to the World Cup we would need Wayne to be our top goalscorer.
"He is the one to score the goals to take us to the later stages because he is our main player.
"It is always important when you go into a big tournament to put in a big performance. Getting a goal is an extra bonus.
"It helps you to settle and takes some of the pressure off."