Returning Uruguay striker Luis Suarez insists they are ready to right the wrongs of their shock defeat to Costa Rica when they face England in Sao Paulo tonight.
Suarez could only look on aghast as La Celeste were handed a fullydeserved 3-1 beating in their Group D opener, with him an unused substitute following knee surgery at the end of last month.
England, meanwhile, went down 2-1 to Italy in Manaus, meaning tonight’s match is effectively must win for both sides.
Liverpool star Suarez is expected to start the game despite still being some way short of 100 per cent match fitness but he spoke like a man prepared to give his all on the eve of the game.
“It’s been a hard couple of days because of the defeat to Costa Rica,” said the 27-year-old, who scored 31 Premier League goals last season. “I want to thank the Uruguayan people for the support we received these last few days and to tell you all to stay calm as we’re going to give our best against England. And trust us, we’re the first who want to move forward.”
Yet if the South Americans are to get the result they need tonight, they’ll have to do it without skipper and defensive lynchpin Diego Lugano, who has been ruled out with a knee injury.
The 33-yearold, who started the defeat to Costa Rica, has been prevented from training properly, according to a statement from the Uruguayan Football Association.
“He has suffered pain in his left knee, which has intensified in recent days, preventing his proper sporting performance,” read an AUF statement.
Yet if Lugano’s loss comes as a psychological blow to the Uruguayans, Suarez’s return to partner Edinson Cavani in attack will give them a major lift.
And Suarez’s former Liverpool team-mate and England defender Jamie Carragher has warned that the forward will start the crunch tie as if he hasn’t missed a minute through injury.
“He’s a winner and I don’t think he will be going into the game worrying about his injury,” said Carragher. “Some players go on to the pitch when they’re coming back from an injury and they’re not the same physically and mentally.
“He won’t have that in his head though. I know what type of character he is and he’ll be full throttle.”
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Uruguay (4-4-2)
Muslera; Caceres, Godin, Coates, Pereira; Stuani, Rios, Gargano, Rodriguez; Cavani, Suarez
England (4-2-3-1)
Hart; Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Welbeck, Rooney, Sterling; Sturridge
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Uruguay – Luis Suarez
Uruguay's undoubted star man and one of the best players in the world, Suarez will be itching to return for his antional side against the country he resides. Suarez will be desperate to make an impact against some very familiar faces and with his side's Brazil campaign on the line, he is the man for the occasion. Much will depend on how fit the Lierpool striker is.
England – Raheem Sterling
England's standout player against Italy, Sterling has become central to his country's starting XI on the back of a fine season at Anfield. His combination of pace, skill and trickery will be a major threat to Uruguay's back line.
SPORT360° PREDICTION
Both teams have it all to play for after opening their campaigns with defeats. England look a much better side than Uruguay despite Suarez' return and their defence looks incredibly fragile. Expect goals and a 3-2 England win.
