Kevin Davies confident England can beat Uruguay

Former England striker Kevin Davies has insisted that the conditions are right for England to beat Uruguay on Thursday night in their second match in Group D.

Both the Three Lions and Uruguay are desperate for the three points after opening their accounts with defeats, but Davies said that personnel issues - such as Diego Lugano's injury and Alvaro Pereira's suspension - mean that England have a strong chance.

"Uruguay's performance in the last game was poor," he told BBC Sport. "Their captain is injured. Their right-back is suspended. Luis Suarez - how fit is he? It's an opportunity to go and win this game. I'm quietly optimistic.

"England started really well against Italy. They need to come out of the blocks tonight fast, but they seem full of confidence. If we take the game to Uruguay, we can win."

Italy take on Costa Rica in the other Group D clash on Friday.