SportsDirect.com Takes A Look At England’s Progress In The World Cup

Saturday 14th June saw England defeated 2-1 by 4x world champions, Italy in their first game of the World Cup. England have two matches remaining in which they will compete for a place in the next round. England ideally need to win their next two games, however there is a possibility for England to go through if they draw or lose any of the two games, depending on how the scores turn out for the other teams in their group. Wayne Rooney admits their next match is “do or die” and following criticism of his performance against Italy, the pressure is on to do well.

During Saturday’s match, Marchisio scored the first goal for Italy after 35 minutes, 2 minutes later Sturridge equalised for England. At 50 minutes, Balotelli headed in the second goal for the Italians to take the win. With a missed goal set up by Rooney, 2-1 was the final score. In the excitement of England’s equalising goal, the teams physio, Gary Lewin ended up being stretchered off with a dislocated ankle after falling on the astro turf. Lewin was flown back to the UK and is now waiting for surgery on his ankle following the event.

During the game, England had 44% possession of the ball and 18 shots, 5 of which were on target. Italy had 13 shots, 4 of which were on target. England had 9 corners and Italy 2 and finally England made 8 fouls, one of which Sterling was given a yellow card for, while Italy made 11 fouls.

England’s next game is tomorrow evening against Uruguay. Luis Suarez sat out of Uruguay’s first game due to injury but is fully fit again to play against England. With the exception of their most recent friendly in 2006, Uruguay have never lost a game against England at a World Cup, winning 4 and drawing 3 games.

Expectations may be low for England’s World Cup chances, however the possibility to go far in the competition is there. The England squad are now back in Rio at their training ground preparing for their next big game.