The Tribune

By CAMERON HEPPLE

HIGH expectations for England to do well against Uruguay - but they could not deliver. It means they are in a position where if Costa Rica beats or ties Italy today they will be eliminated from the group.

England played well and had opportunities but a defensive mistake from Steven Gerrard giving Luis Suarez a one v one against Hart in the last five minutes showed that it was not their day. Rooney finally scored for the first time in a World Cup finals but was drowned by the quality of Suarez, who made the difference and is once again the king of Uruguay.

England’s defence looked weak and they could not put away their chances. Uruguay was first to every ball, they pressed high and managed the game well after their first goal. Uruguay did their homework with set plays as Hart was almost caught out twice from a Suarez corner kick.

England didn’t do anything different, no special set plays on corners and no variety in their attack.

The Colombians proved that they could outpower a strong African side despite having less possession during the match.

James Rodriquez was the man of the match for his strong attacking presence against Ivory Coast.

England v Uruguay

Man of the match: Luis Suarez – two goals from two shots, coming back from knee surgery The most dangerous forward in the world at the moment.

Shocker of the match: Wayne Rooney – had three opportunities to score but could not deliver. Another disappointing display for the #10.

MATCHES

OF THE DAY

A big match in group D today as Italy faces Costa Rica with England’s World Cup hopes resting on Italian shoulders. Group E will be interesting with Switzerland and France looking to continue their winning form to top the group. A South American flavour later as Ecuador faces Honduras both looking for points and any hope of exiting the group.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

France: Karim Benzema - on great form from the opening match with two goals and looking for more to keep his country on top of the group.

Switzerland: Xherdan Shaqiri – the young forward, impressive in his first World Cup match, will be looking to make a name for himself against heavy hitter France.

France to win.

Italy: Mario Balotelli – he won the match against England and looks like a much more mature player than we are used to. This will be a fun match in which to watch Balotelli perform.

Costa Rica: Joel Campbell – made the difference in against Uruguay, an exciting young player to watch and will continue on form against the Italian giants.

Italy to win.

• Cameron Hepple is a Bahamian international, ex-professional footballer now forging a career in coaching. He is providing expert analysis daily during the World Cup for The Tribune.