There was a carnival atmosphere and a dash of optimism from the England camp and fans ahead of the crunch match against Uruguay, with the latter's surprise defeat to Costa Rica and the Three Lion's attacking display against the Azzurri providing the promise of progression to the last 16 for Roy Hodgson's men.
Alas, it was not to be, with England's defensive frailties against the Italians last Saturday once again being shown against a Uruguay side welcoming back their star man, Luis Suarez. The England players should have been better prepared to handle the Premier League's standout player from last season.
While Wayne Rooney netted his 40th goal for England, and his first World Cup goal ever, it was Suarez who stole the show with his late second goal securing all the points for Uruguay and leaving England bottom of their group after two consecutive defeats.
If Italy and Costa Rica draw their game on Friday then Roy Hodgson’s men are out six days after they began, although if the Italians beat the Costa Ricans and then Uruguay next week, a win for England against Costa Rica could see them through.
England manager Roy Hodgson spoke of his "major sadness" in the wake of a 2-1 defeat. He also said that he would not resign after England lost their two opening games at a World Cup finals for the first time.
The 66-year-old said that his fate was not in his hands, although there is no appetite at the Football Association to change manager again little more than two years after Fabio Capello quit. Hodgson was given a four-year contract in May 2012 and he is due to take the team through the Euro 2016 qualification and, the FA hopes, to the finals in France.
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