Suarez late winner put England on brink of elimination

England's Wayne Rooney (L) scores his team's first goal past Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera during their 2014 World Cup Group D soccer match at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo, June 19, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Rooney's first Cup goal not enough

Wayne Rooney finally delivered his first goal for England on the big stage, coming through despite all the criticism about his lack of production at this World Cup - and it wasn't enough.  Rooney's equalizer in the 75th minute Thursday gave England hope. Ten minutes later, Luis Suarez stole the headlines with his second goal, giving Uruguay a 2-1 victory and pushing England to the brink of elimination

For England, the end is near and although it is not mathematically out of the World Cup it would take an unlikely combination of results for it to stand any chance of progressing. The Three Lions need at least a win against Costa Rica and two victories by Italy. However, England will be eliminated if Italy and Costa Rica tie on Friday.

"Our chances are unbelievably slim," Hodgson said. "Italy will have to win its next two matches by a good number of goals. But to be sure to continue we needed a result today. We didn't get it."

The Three Lions looked to have been given fresh life with 15 minutes left when Wayne Rooney scored his first goal of the tournament, tapping home from close range after a fine run and pass from Glen Johnson. Suarez's header from an excellent Edinson Cavani cross had ensured the South American side would be ahead at halftime. He still had pace in his legs late in the second half when a hopeful ball forward allowed him to sprint past the static England backline but there was still work to be done as he advanced on goal.

Suarez was undeterred. He kept his head down, pulled back his right foot and smashed the ball past Joe Hart to break England's hearts.

"If this was a movie, people would probably not have wished for a better result," Tabarez said. "At least for Uruguay.

"We have been able to prove that we still can fight that we are alive. But please remember that we have not qualified yet for the net phase. However we get some fresh air and we feel more self-confident."

When England, as seems certain, heads home in less than a week's time, it will have much to rue and reflect on - missed chances, like the handful Rooney missed here, tactical naivete and, in the end, a team that just wasn't good enough.

Suarez might be the one crying, but Uruguay still has hope.

Hodgson was asked to give his state of the England national team if it does indeed go out of the tournament.

"I don't know. I don't know what you want me to say," Hodgson said. "In both games we showed some elements of playing good football. We are a team that is making progress. But results decide everything and both results have been negative."

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