Uruguay 2 England 1

Before last night's World Cup group match in Sao Paulo, I was reasonably optimistic that England would be capable of building on their creditable performance against the Italians, and getting their tournament "back on track", to use an irritating modern phrase.

My cautious buoyancy gradually evaporated, however, as the match developed. The shortcomings in England's defence were manifest even in the early stages, and Uruguay's team changes and the return of Luis Suarez to the fold clearly made them a much tougher proposition than the one which had turned out in the match against Costa Rica. There was much more purpose and cohesion about their play.

The sense of foreboding which had developed within me during the first half was partially ameliorated by Wayne Rooney's equaliser, but it was a temporary respite, and Suarez's emphatic finish for the second goal brought England back to earth, and reality, with a bump.

Were there any positives for England?  Well, Wayne Rooney was clearly happier and more dangerous in his more central role, and could have scored one or two more goals in addition to his close-range leveller. One hopes that Rooney will continue to perform well in the final match, even though any such efforts may prove academic.

Daniel Sturridge may not have been quite as effective as he was against Italy, but he was quite industrious and energetic, and never afraid to try something a little different in order to carve out an opening.

It probably won't happen, but I would make some changes for England's final group match against Costa Rica. How about "resting" Steven Gerrard, who has been ineffectual and lacklustre, and playing a midfield of,say, Henderson, Barkley and Lallana?  The team would have added zest and freshness, and even if England are eliminated, you would be giving the England stars of the future valuable experience on the world stage.

I guess that England's fate depends to some extent on the attitude of Italy to their final game, assuming that they defeat Costa Rica later today. Would they rest one or two players against Uruguay under those circumstances, and seek to conserve their energy for the latter stages, knowing that a draw would see them through?

If we assume that Italy will win the group, I have to say that, even as an Englishman, part of me would rather see Luiz Suarez in the later stages of the World Cup than England.  Yes, Suarez has his faults, but he is also a magnificent player, who offers more in a purely footballing respect than anything which England have to offer.