Thursday will see England face a crucial encounter in their bid to reach the second round of the World Cup when they take on Uruguay in Group D.

The Three Lions head to Sao Paulo having lost their opening game of the tournament 2-1 against Italy, and their upcoming meeting with the South Americans is seen as a must-win game for Roy Hodgson's side.

However, Uruguay are also in need of a victory following their surprise opening defeat to Costa Rica.

Plenty of debate has circled around whether Wayne Rooney will be dropped for the game, but the forward is likely to keep his place in the starting XI this time around.

However, Hodgson could still make a few changes to his lineup, with a place in the team for Jack Wilshere being widely mooted.

Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge are both suffering with minor knocks following the loss to Italy, but the Liverpool duo are expected to be available.

Luis Suarez had been a doubt for Uruguay after undergoing knee surgery before the start of the tournament, but the striker recently confirmed that he was "100% fit" for the clash.

Recent form

Uruguay: WDDWWL

England: LWWDDL

Possible starting lineups

Uruguay: Muslera; Caceres, Lugano, Godin, Pereira; Gargano, Arevalo; Rodriguez, Forlan, Suarez; Cavani

England: Hart; Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines; Gerrard, Wilshere; Welbeck, Rooney, Sterling; Sturridge

Sports Mole says: 0-2

Written by
Jack Prescott

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