England captain Steven Gerrard is hoping to play a more attacking role when the team face Algeria in their vital clash in Cape Town tonight.

The Liverpool skipper was one of England’s best players in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with the United States when he produced a disciplined midfield display as well as scoring the early goal which promised so much.

However, Robert Green’s blunder gifted the USA their equaliser and, although England dominated they could not find a winner, and they now need to kick-start their World Cup campaign this evening.

It has been mooted Gerrard may move into a position further forward behind Wayne Rooney who was a frustrated figure last weekend and the 30-year-old welcomed the possibility.

He said: “We’ll have to wait and see what formation we choose to play.

“I’d imagine I’d be in a more forward, attacking role and that suits me.

“I am really looking forward to it.”

Gerrard went on: “We were pleased with the majority of the first performance.

Fluid

“There was a lot of pressure and tension – hopefully the second will be more fluid.

“We hope to get a good convincing win.”

Of Rooney, Gerrard added: “Rooney looks great in training, it’s only a matter of time before he finds the back of the net.

“This season he has been one of the best players in the world and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before we see that in this World Cup.”

The Jabulani ball has been highly criticised with England boss Fabio Capello joining in the chorus.

Gerrard, though, was philosophical, saying: “It’s not so bad for midfielders and strikers. But when it comes off the ground it’s very unpredictable.

“You get an advantage when shooting because the keeper doesn’t know what’s happening. But it’s one of those things, it’s the same for both sides.

“It’s going to be the ball for rest of tournament so we’ve got to accept it.”

By JOHN CURTIS