England vs Uruguay: Luis Suarez performance analysis

The Liverpool striker scored both goals in Uruguay's 2-1 win over England

(Getty Images)

Luis Suarez was the hero for Uruguay as they beat England 2-1 in World Cup Group D, the Liverpool striker netting both his side's goals including an 85th-minute winner after Wayne Rooney had equalised.

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Here, we take a look at Suarez, back in the Uruguay starting line-up after a knee operation, fared in the victory.

SHARPNESS

Any England hopes Suarez had been rushed back from his knee injury too early were dashed early on. Sensibly opting not to waste energy chasing lost causes, he focused on when and where he could hurt England. He showed much better movement than the ageing Diego Forlan, whom he replaced, had against Costa Rica, giving the England back-line plenty to think about. There was no let-up, either, grabbing the winner five minutes from time before being replaced three minutes later.

INFLUENCE

He was at the centre of all of his side's attacking endeavours, showing the subtlety and guile his team-mates had lacked in their first game. He linked up very well with Edinson Cavani, who also turned in a much improved display. England's defence struggled to cope with the combination between the pair. Indeed, Suarez's return seemed to have a positive affect across the team, who all looked sharper, closed down quicker and were snappier in possession.

GOAL THREAT

He almost caught Joe Hart out twice low at the near post direct from a clever corners. And he made Roy Hodgson's side pay with his first chance. He peeled off Phil Jagielka to meet Cavani's perfectly-flighted cross and sent his header back across goal and inside Hart's right-hand post. He dragged a presentable second-half chance wide, but was deadly accurate late on as he pounced on Steven Gerrard's misplaced header and lashed home the winner.

OVERALL CONTRIBUTION

Uruguay may not be a one-man team, but are pretty close to one on this showing. They were a totally different side to the which were so poor against Costa Rica and that was down in large part to Suarez. Two clinical finishes from the Liverpool man were the difference between the sides.