When it became clear that Luis Suarez was fit to start against England it seemed inevitable that the next morning he would grab the most column inches. The Uruguayan remains a favourite amongst the press pack, whether thanks to his outrageous skill or his rare moments of madness. Against England it was the former as he struck twice to leave his club captain Steven Gerrard in tears. The Liverpool striker was at his clinical best, first expertly planting a header past a helpless Joe Hart before latching onto a hopeful ball up field and firing home from an acute angle. It was clinical and we can expect much more. If Suarez stays fit then Uruguay will be hopefully they can go even further than they did in South Africa.
End of the road for Gerrard?
Steven Gerrard enjoyed a renaissance last season as Brendan Rodgers moved him into a deeper-lying midfield role. From here he made Liverpool tick as their style of free-flowing football almost won a first league title in more than 20 years. Yet for England he looked badly off the pace. Struggling to make any impact as the game seemingly passed him by. Perhaps after a long season there was nothing left in the tank but at 34-years-old it may be that on the international stage his time has come. Gerrard may well make the decision himself but England badly need new blood.
Hodgson’s fault or did the players let him down?
Ever since the World Cup groups were drawn, Roy Hodgson would have known that the key to qualification would have come in gaining positive results against Italy and Uruguay. Stopping Andrea Pirlo and Luis Suarez would have been a main objective. England failed on both occasions. Pirlo was majestic in midfield, pulling the strings as Italy emerged victorious. Against Uruguay it was Suarez who found spaces in England’s defence and made them pay. Was it Hodgson’s fault for failing to come up with a game plan or the players for being unable to deliver?
Passion and unity a trait for all South American sides
Luis Suarez could barely contain the tears after helping Uruguay keep their hopes of qualification alive. He displayed raw passion throughout and there was plenty of support in the crowd to spur the South Americans on. While Brazil looked almost burdened by the weight of expectation that came from having their passionate support in the crowd, Uruguay players appeared to have a sense of freedom. There also appears a great unity among the players, something that has been evident in every South American side.
Time for England to start over
There is some great young talent in English football and now seems the right time to give them the opportunity to shine. England still have a chance of reaching the last-16 – even if it is a slim one – but why not hand the new generation a chance against Costa Rica. Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling and Luke Shaw have excelled in the Premier League and may play with freedom, something the older players have always struggled with. Adam Lallana may be slightly older than this trio but he is another who deserves a shot. What have England got to lose.
