England’s opening day defeat to Italy has been greeted indifferently in England. A positive performance has fans and critics alike optimistic that the English will overrule Uruguay on Thursday. Roy Hodgson’s men shook off the cobwebs of three pre-World Cup friendlies to go down fighting to a solid Azzurri side. Wayne Rooney has been this summer’s scapegoat, his position in the team much scrutinized and will perhaps have a greater say this Thursday if reverted to his preferred central position.
Getting off to the worst possible start against minnows Costa Rica, Uruguay still pose a threat to England’s bid to make the World Cup knockout rounds. Coming through the South American CONMEBOL phase of Qualification grouped with Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador and Paraguay, Uruguay had to rely on a playoff win against Jordan to ensure their place in Brazil this summer. Luis Suarez looks certain to start against England. He and Edinson Cavani scored 16 goals between them in qualifying whilst national treasure Diego Forlan will surely cast an arbitrary eye from the substitutes bench.
Liverpool striker Luis Suárez face his team mates in the English squad and would certainly want to impress and put pressure on both Italy and Costa Rica. England as well would not want to join Spain out of the competition after so much hype and hence would hope to prove themselves. I expect both teams hitting the net at least once.
Verdict: Both teams to score
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