Uruguay vs England World Cup 2014: match preview
A look ahead to the Three Lions’ crucial match in Sao Paulo
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It is ‘crunch time’ for England as a win would eliminate group favourites Uruguay but a loss would send Roy Hodgson’s roster for a very early holiday.
Wayne Rooney is expected to start again albeit complaints regarding his performance against Italy and rumours from certain sections of the media which supported that he was training with the reserves. The Manchester United striker said that he was just putting more effort into practice.
The Three Lions showed some positive signs at last week’s defeat as Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling both put on an excellent performance. The England manager is fortunate enough to have no injury concerns and has had good news at practice as Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain trained with the team for a short while.
Uruguay are looking to erase their shocking 3-1 defeat to underdogs Costa Rica and are hoping to count on Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who has declared himself fit for Thursday’s showdown. If Suarez does not start, then manager Oscar Tabarez will be looking for the 2010 top player Diego Forlan to fill in the void and much will be expected by Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani.
The Celeste will be missing the services of defender Maxi Pereira who was sent off last week.
KICK-OFF: Thursday, 8pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS
England 2 (Crouch, Cole) Uruguay 1 (Pouso), International Friendly, March 2006
England 0 Uruguay 0, International Friendly, March 1995
England 1 (Barnes) Uruguay 2 (Ostolaza, Perdomo), International Friendly, May 1990
STATS
Last time those two sides met at the World Cup, was in 1966 where the Three Lions got a goalless draw at the competition’s opener and went on to win the entire competition at home.
Both teams have squared off 10 times where England have won three of the exchange and lost four.
Needless to say, Wayne Rooney has yet to score a World Cup goal. The Manchester United striker’s spell has now been extended to 684 minutes.
Frank Lampard holds a negative record of most shots without a goal, which is worse than any other player at the World Cup finals since 1966. The Chelsea legend has picked up 39 shots but no goals.
England have only lost three of their last 17 World Cup matches and have won seven – excluding the penalty shoot-out defeats.
ODDS
Uruguay to win: 11.4
England to win: 23.20
Draw: 12.5
TV: Live on ITV at 8pm
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments