Raheem Sterling hoping for Luis Suarez absence

England forward Raheem Sterling has admitted that he would "rather not" see Luis Suarez playing for Uruguay when the two sides meet in a crucial World Cup clash on Thursday.

Suarez's place in the World Cup was thrown into doubt when he underwent minor knee surgery last month, but the striker has declared that he will be "100%" fit to face England despite missing the match against Costa Rica on Saturday.

Sterling knows all about the qualities of Suarez having played alongside him for Liverpool last season, but the youngster believes that the whole squad will be fairly familiar with the threat that the 27-year-old will pose.

"I'd rather not see him on the pitch, really. He is a great player, but I don't think we really need to talk too much of his qualities because we all know what he can do," Sterling told reporters.

"All the lads have played against him before, know what he is about. We know he has scored some spectacular goals and we will do our best to keep him at bay."

Sterling is expected to start for England on Thursday as they take on the Uruguayans in a must-win match after both teams lost their opening World Cup fixtures.