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England Squad Report: Defeated, but confident

Darren Staples / REUTERS

Roy Hodgson insists he remains confident England can progress to the last 16 of the World Cup despite Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Italy.

Indeed, there were many positives for England to take out of the game. The performance of Raheem Sterling was a particular highlight, displaying the kind of fearlessness England have lacked since Wayne Rooney last turned up at a major tournament (Euro 2004).

Hodgson recognized as much, praising the display put in by his young Lions and calling for focus on what is now a must-win game against Uruguay. “We have to lift our heads now and make the players realize that if they can reproduce that performance twice more there is a good chance they will get the result,” said the England boss.

Captain Steven Gerrard echoed that sentiment, but conceded the task of making the second round has been made more difficult by defeat to Italy. “No matter what the result was tonight we would have needed to go and beat Uruguay anyway,” he said after the game. “The challenge is a bit more difficult but it’s still doable.”

What was most encouraging about England’s performance was the contrast with how they played against Italy two years ago at the European Championships. On that occasion England’s counter attack amounted to a long punt up the field to Andy Carroll, who was so isolated Italy would come back with the ball almost immediately. Perhaps the most telling statistic was England's 18 shots last night compared to 9 against Italy at Euro 2012.

This time the pace, directness and invention of Rooney, Sterling, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge gave Italy some real problems. In the space of just two years Hodgson might have turned England from one of soccer’s most insipid teams into one of its more exciting.

Results/Fixtures

Group D — June 14 — England 0 Italy 2

Group D — June 19 — Uruguay vs. England

Group D — June 24 — Costa Rica vs. England

Squad News/Rumors/Injury Report

FW Danny Welbeck – Rumored to have aggravated minor injury in Italy game (Hamstring strain).

MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain — Expected to feature against Uruguay (Knee).

 MF Jack Wilshere — Questionable (Match fitness).

Physio Gary Lewin – Dislocated and fractures his ankle celebrating Sturridge’s goal. Will fly back to England today.

 Team Leaders

Goals: Daniel Sturridge – 1

Assists: Wayne Rooney - 1

Quick Notes

Rooney was used in an unfamiliar role out on the left wing against Italy, causing some to scrutinize his true impact on the game. However, Michael Cox claims untying Rooney from his defensive responsibilities worked for England.

Sturridge continued his recent good form for England, bagging a well-taken equalizer just minutes after Italy had taken the lead. After the game he insisted defeat was tough on England, although no mention of whether he’ll be taking dance lessons off Colombia. Because he needs them. 

Sterling vindicated his selection by giving England an edge of youthful exuberance they so desperately needed. Hodgson apparently thought long and hard about playing the teenager against Italy. I’d suggest his thought process will be a lot shorter for the Uruguay game. In this form, Sterling is England’s best player.

The definition of irony. Physio Gary Lewin breaks his ankle while celebrating Sturridge’s goal. See! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ENGLAND ARE GOOD! 

Super Mario, indeed.

This is what £300,000 a week gets you. In fairness, not many players could do this.

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