HE’S ENDED OUR WORLD
England can go out TODAY after two-goal Suarez sinks Roy’s flops
ROY HODGSON last night admitted England’s World Cup dream is all but over after Luis Suarez consigned his side to defeat.
After the Uruguay striker completed a stunning double with an 85th minute winner, the England boss said: ‘Our chances of staying in are unbelievably slim.’ England could, in fact, go out today if Italy fail to beat Costa Rica.
But Hodgson insists he will not quit his job, adding: ‘No. I don’t have any intention of resigning. I’m bitterly disappointed, of course, but I don’t feel I need to resign, no. On the other hand, if the FA think I’m not the right man to do the job, that will be their decision, and not mine.’
MARTIN SAYS...
LUIS SUAREZ’S first goal was similar to the one England conceded to Mario Balotelli on Saturday. Once again, the centre forward pulled off the shoulder of our defender and punished us. Phil Jagielka should have been touch-tight in the box. Instead, he was a few yards off Suarez, who drifted away. Suarez is always looking to pull off the shoulder and Jagielka just stood still. In that situation you have to turn your body so you can see the man and the ball. Suarez moves like Ian Rush. Even when I played a charity match against Rush 18 months ago, he was only interested in the space behind me.
JAMIE SAYS...
WE CAN look at the defending, but the pass by Edinson Cavani is brilliant and it takes out five players. Suarez’s world-class movement beats Phil Jagielka — and that was his fifth goal in six games against the Everton man. Gary Cahill and Jagielka were terrorised by the Liverpool star, who made it six in six late on. Roy Hodgson said Suarez had to score at this World Cup to prove he is world class. Suarez proved his point, twice.
JAMIE SAYS...
I CAN understand why England picked Jordan Henderson. He had a good season for Liverpool, but he plays in a different position, higher up the pitch, for his club. He is deeper for England and the team were crying out for more dare and creativity. I wanted Jack Wilshere or Ross Barkley on from half-time but Barkley did not arrive until the 64th minute. He had an impact when he came on.
JAMIE SAYS...
IT’S not rocket science. If you play your best players in their best positions they will do the business for you. There’s been debate all week but playing through the middle Wayne Rooney (right) hit the bar and was clearly our most influential player. England had a poor night but Rooney answered some of his critics.
MARTIN SAYS...
LEIGHTON BAINES and Glen Johnson are huge attacking threats for their clubs. But they are frustrating for England. They were both so conservative in possession in the first half. Things improved after the break but playing at the highest level has a lot to do with self-esteem and they looked nervous.