Uruguay & Suarez Put England On The Brink Of Elimination

Luis Suarez was not 100% fit, but unfortunately for England it only takes a 70% fit Suarez to get the better of a nervy defensive back-four. England now face a steep uphill climb if they hope to continue into the knockout stages.

England now must rely on Italy to beat both Costa Rica and Uruguay and for England to beat Costa Rica and have a superior goal different to both Costa Rica and Uruguay. It doesn't seem likely, but at least there is a chance. Right?

England started the game slowly, failing to find any passing rhythm. Rooney who was moved inside to the #10 hole failed to make any meaningful contribution as he was unable to pick up the pockets of space that Sterling found against the Italians. The challenges were quick and vicious from a revamped and rejuvenated Uruguayan outfit.

Although England looked very shaky at the back with the combination of Cahill and Jagielka never inspiring confidence, it was England who started to get on the front foot with their full-backs pressing high up the field and getting some good balls into the box.

However despite England's possession, they never seemed as though they were capable of forcing a break-through with Sturridge being forced to come too deep to pick up the ball. It was no surprise when Uruguay took the lead with Edison Cavani floating a perfect ball to Suarez who got the better of Jagielka to head past Joe Hart. England had come close to scoring themselves as a Steven Gerrard free-kick was turned onto the bar by Rooney from just a yard out.

England seemed reluctant to take any shots, trying to pass their way into the net, however we were at least showing some attacking impetus as the first half came to an end.

The Second half got off to a shaky start as Uruguay had not one, not two but three chances to go ahead. After a dodgy 5 minutes, England went back onto the front foot with Glen Johnson getting down the wing at will, Leighton Baines was also finding space down the left as England continued to fire balls into the box.

Rooney had a shot saved from 6 yards, and in my humble opinion it was more a poor shot than a good save. Sterling was starting to cause some problems with his pace as Uruguay started to tire. Some excellent work by Sturridge down the right released Johnson who cut inside before slotting a perfect ball across the 6 yard box for Rooney to tap in to make it 1-1.

However disaster struck as the England defense was undone by route one football. A long goal-kick was mis-judged by England captain Steven Gerrard who could only flick the ball into Suarez's path and with the English defense flat-footed he raced clear before rifling a shot past a helpless Joe Hart.

England huffed and puffed but they were limited to a number of half-chances. Roy's substitutions were head-scratching to say the last and his inability to make the hard decisions could well have cost England the chance to progress in this World Cup.