England’s long journey to the final 16 of the 2014 World Cup got further complicated after Uruguay’s Luis Suarez scored twice to condemn the 1966 champions to a 2-1 defeat at the Arena de Sao Paulo.
The Liverpool striker making his return after a month of recovery following knee surgery, punished England in the 39th minute, when Cavani put in the ball from the left to find him unmarked. Suarez, just behind Phil Jagielka rose to head the ball past a helpless Joe Hart and the celebrations got underway.
Daniel Sturridge’s shot on goal from 15 yards nearly paid off for an equalizer immediately but Fernando Muslera the Uruguayan goalkeeper put it behind for a corner just before the breather. Cavani kept reminding Roy Hodgson’s boys of his threat with a close attempt in the 52nd minute that went wide following a one on one with Joe Hart.
England were much more promising two minutes after, when Leighton Baines lofted two crosses, Rooney firing a 12 yard shot that was palmed away by the goalkeeper. Something was bound to happen for Rooney, the Manchester United Striker as he came close with a free kick just inches wide. The Englishman eventually netted his first World Cup goal thanks to a brilliant run by Glen Johnson past two defenders to set him up for a 75th minute tap in.
Unfortunately the joy was short lived as World Cup tormentor Suarez blasted another past England’s Joe Hart. Gerrard failed at a task too challenging, when he jumped to meet the ball but instead flicked off the back of his head.
England were finally left at the brink of an early World Cup exit at the cost of Suarez’s winner. England have to beat Costa Rica and hope Italy win both their remaining games so that second position comes down to a goal difference.