IDEALLY, England would be packing the bus to frustrate Uruguay. But things have not gone to plan; now they will be packing their luggage at the final whistle. I had fancied the attacking style of England to see the best of Italy, but, despite a scintillating attacking performance from Raheem Sterling, they fell. Their defence was not good enough. There is little to guarantee that the English will muster the kind of defence needed to frustrate the returning Luis Suarez. This is the best fixture of the group stages. It will be explosive. Both sides know the difference between packing luggage and making fresh hotel orders lies in 90 minutes of a game. However, whereas England are used to failing, falling at the first stage is a rare thing for them. Such a fate would mean Uruguay are packing. Wayne Rooney is expected to play in a central role behind Daniel Sturridge, which will add to their attacking glitters as Sterling on the wings is more dangerous than the one in the hole. With such an attacking style, England are guaranteed to score at least twice tonight. But are they good enough to stop Suarez and Edison Cavani at the opposite end? I go 3-2 to Uruguay. Cote d’Ivoire, the only African side that was in the easiest group, is certain to qualify regardless of tonight’s results as long as they can beat boring Greece in the final round. Coming up against Colombia tonight, the Ivorians will fancy their chance at getting two wins on the trot, but it won’t be easy. Colombia will pip the Elephants in the day’s first game. While Japan, who lost out to a loss of steam against Cote d’Ivoire, will just need to maintain the kind of performance they put up in their opening game to beat Greece. However, this will not come easy. Greece will bore us to a draw.
