A must-win game for both sides is usually one that creates a rather turgid and cagey affair, though this was not the case from the off in England’s second World Cup fixture of the summer.

Pre-match was of course dominated by the return of the ever-dangerous Luis Suarez and the potential damage he could cause England’s defence. He did not go into the game fully fit, but the Liverpool man is dangerous whenever he is on the pitch.

For England, Wayne Rooney moved from the left to the centre into his preferred position and was expected to perform and prove that he is worthy of the England shirt.

Although not as cavalier in going forward as they were against Italy in their opening fixture, England still looked more comfortable attacking than they did without the ball. Early chances ensued.

The game did not settle down for the first ten minutes, though Suarez almost embarrassed Joe Hart early on as the Uruguayan caught the English ‘keeper off his line and almost slotted home directly from a corner.

England showed flashes of good attacking play and Rooney almost opened the scoring and his own World Cup account on 10 mins. A few minutes later more good forward play resulted in a chance for Daniel Sturridge, though still England couldn’t break the deadlock.

The sharp incisive passing that England showed against Italy wasn’t quite there in the first-half and though there were some half chances of note, the game was a bit flat when compared to the opener.

More chances came from both ends and Cavani blasted over from a low corner on 26 mins. Up at the other end Uruguay were fortunate that Diego Godin was not sent off. The Atletico man could have easily been dismissed for a second yellow card for taking out Daniel Sturridge on the edge of the box.

England went on to win a succession of free kicks though had little end product. Rooney did narrowly shoot wide eventually however, and soon after hit the crossbar after a dead ball from the left was expertly delivered.

Despite all of England’s pressure, the almost inevitable sucker punch came from a beautiful ball from Edinson Cavani. Suarez peeled away from Phil Jagielka like only he can and headed the ball just out of the reach of Joe Hart.

England regrouped quickly and almost replied instantly with a good Daniel Sturridge shot after a fine ball from Wayne Rooney, but Muslera was more than up to the challenge of blocking his near post.

At the very beginning of the second half, Hart was caught out again by Suarez from a corner and once more the prolific forward almost found the back of the net directly from the corner flag.

An intense period of Uruguayan pressure began, where Edinson Cavani certainly should have doubled his side’s lead.

England did not defend well immediately after the break but they did counter with intent. A Leighton Baines’ cross landed at the feet of Rooney on 53 mins, the forward took a good first touch and got away a decent shot, though Muslera was equal to it.

Baines continued to be dangerous up the left-flank, so much so that Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez was forced into changing his game plan to try and stifle the Everton full-back.

Nevertheless, it was a Glen Johnson surge from the right that brought England back into the game. The Liverpool man skipped past one defender, put in a good ball and Rooney was left with a tap-in to level the score.

England were looking good to go on and score again but for Luis Suarez, who proved the difference between a player of his quality and England’s current crop. From a nothing goal kick, Steven Gerrard glanced a poor header backwards, directly between between the two English centre-halves and Suarez found himself running free. He confidently blasted the finish past Joe Hart.

And simply, that was that. England tried and failed to salvage the draw and now need significant favours from Italy if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.