FIFA World Cup 2014 Match Preview: England v/s Uruguay

Even before they were humiliated by Costa Rica in their opening game, Uruguay knew that Luis Suarez’s fitness would be key to their hopes of qualifying from Group D. Since Luis Suarez has been declared fit for the tie, England have a massive test on their hands. Tabarez has concerns elsewhere too, though. Maxi Pereira’s rash challenge in the dying moments of Saturday’s defeat mean he is ruled out through suspension, while the space granted to Joel Campbell in particular could spark a change at the back. 

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The Uruguay boss will also be without experienced centre-back Diego Lugano, although his form has been faltering lately. In comparison, Roy Hodgson has much less on his mind, even taking into account the continued questions over Wayne Rooney’s role in the side. The Manchester United forward started from the left in the defeat to Italy, but the England boss has been pushed decide whether he could get more out of his No.10 by switching him into the centre. One thing Hodgson will be boosted by is the return to fitness of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who trained on Monday following his recovery from a knee injury.

In comparison, Roy Hodgson has much less on his mind, even taking into account the continued questions over Wayne Rooney’s role in the side. The Manchester United forward started from the left in the defeat to Italy, but the England boss has been pushed decide whether he could get more out of his No.10 by switching him into the centre. One thing Hodgson will be boosted by is the return to fitness of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who trained on Monday following his recovery from a knee injury. 

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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.

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Meanwhile, Newcastle United left-back Paul Dummett was subjected to death threats on twitter as the Uruguay fans blamed the young defender for Luis Suarez' injury. Its alleged by the Uruguayan FA that Suarez picked up the knee injury in his last match for Liverpool against Newcastle United, where the 22-year old Dummett was sent off for a tackle on Suarez.

Suarez has undergone a knee surgery on May 22. The Uruguayan FA claimed have said that Suarez felt pain in his knee during the training session. After a few tests, it was confirmed that he had to undergo a knee surgery. Suarez's mother has stated that the surgery was successful and the striker would be fit in 2-3 weeks. 

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Though Suarez is expected to recover before Uruguay's opening match against Costa Rica on June 14, the injury news has angered thousands of Uruguay fans across. This has lead to death threats for Dummett. A Twitter user named Federico Gonzalez (@FicoGonzalez13), wrote: "Hi @PaulDummett, from Uruguay we hope someday u come here to have a nice time w/ friends. We have things for you, like a bullet in the head." 

An Uruguayan Twitter handle 'We are not Botineras' unleashed tweets targeting Paul Dummett and blaming him for Suarez's injury. Here are their tweets:

Ey, @PaulDummett how much money did u receive from @england to broke Suárez leg? Was it enough to buy a new face?

— We are not Botineras (@Botineras_Uy) May 22, 2014

Whereas, the English and the Italian fans were more than delighted to hear about Suarez' injury. Here's one of the many tweets by an English fan:

@PaulDummett deserves a knighthood for injuring @luis16suarez

— Andy 'The Hero'¹³™ (@y2hero) May 23, 2014

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