Wayne Rooney’s prediction that England should find no difficulty in overcoming Algeria provoked the Arabs’ sole representatives at the World Cup.
The Manchester United striker was quoted as saying that England “can not be at their best and defeat Algeria”.
Both sides meet on Friday in their second Group C game at the South Africa finals.
“Rooney can say what he wants,” Algeria and Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra commented.
“It’s his problem. We will play to win this game. We want to qualify as well.”
Algeria made a disappointing start to their first World Cup in 24 years, slumping to a 1-0 loss to minnows Slovenia.
They will be eager to shock England or at least avoid a defeat to keep alive their chances of reaching the round of 16 from the group that also includes the United States.
“Algeria always react when we are under pressure. You saw that in the play-off against Egypt,” Bougherra added.
The Desert Foxes reached the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after a nail-biting qualifying campaign that saw them defeat seven-time African champions Egypt 1-0 in a playoff game.
Left-back Nadir Belhadj, who plays for English side Portsmouth, believes that England are not invincible.
“The defense is one of England’s weak points, it’s easy to create chances against them,” he said.
“As for strong points, I have to recognize that there are several. They have an excellent midfield and a phenomenal attack.
“But that doesn’t mean we will just lie down. We will have our say in the outcome of the match.”
