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Rooney: "I have never said my place is guaranteed"
Under fire England striker Wayne Rooney insist that he works hard in order to get into the team. The 28-year old missed a guilt-edge chance that could've brought England level in Manaus against Italy.
Hodgson pondering changes; wants Rooney in penalty box more
Ahead of their second group match against Uruguay on Thursday, Roy Hodgson spoke of the possibility of making changes to his XI:
"We have to assess what the match has taken out of the players."
"But luckily there is no injury, apart from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and he’s going to be close for Thursday."
"So I have a chance to make changes, if I want."
Roy also adds that he would like to get Rooney into the penalty box more:
"There is no question we will get him in the box."
Gerrard convinced England can cause problems
Big ones too, according to the skipper:
"They concede goals and if we attack like we did against Italy we will cause Uruguay big, big problems."
Steven Gerrard also praises teammate Raheem Sterling for his display against Italy, citing "he is fearless" and "a big player for the future".
Sturridge disappointed with result
Despite scoring a goal against Italy, Daniel Sturridge was disappointed as he could not prevent England from losing their first match in Brazil:
"Obviously I’m gutted we didn’t win the game because I feel like I’ve let, not just everyone in England but my family down as well."
He'd do well to remember his own tweet:
Shame about the result. We'll recover well and be right back at it Thursday. I'm looking forward to that game!! Thanks for the support!!
— Daniel Sturridge (@D_Sturridge) June 15, 2014
Suarez still need to prove self
Speaking of Luis Suarez, Roy Hodgson thinks that Suarez still need to prove himself at the World Cup:
"You can be a great player in your league but to be recognised as one of the all-time greats you have got to do it at the World Cup."
So Luis, challenge accepted?
Gary Lewin returns home
England team physio Gary Lewin, who break his ankle while celebrating England's goal against Italy, will be going home for a surgery. In his absence, Steve Kemp will take on Lewin's duties.
