Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes expectations are affecting the performances of the England team.

The Three Lions have limped to two draws in Group C and the Red Devils boss says it is a case of outsiders expecting far too much from the group.

"I just get a feeling that the expectation is affecting the England team," said Ferguson. "Sometimes the expectation can be debilitating in terms of getting the players to perform to the levels required to get through this group.

"I had that feeling. I spoke to Wayne Rooney last week and just said 'relax and enjoy it'. I just sensed there was tension in and around the camp from what I was hearing, although I didn't watch the Algeria game, as I was out with friends.

"The season we have in Europe, particularly in England, is tough," he added. "The players all met up about 3-4 days after the season finished and they've been together for most of that time, after a long, hard season.

"It's a real task to ask players to perform at the best level they can achieve after the season in England. Germany always take that month-long break in January and they always seem to do better in World Cups than anyone ever expects."