The stakes have been raised for both the teams in todayt’s blockbuster clash between England and Uruguay at 3PM ET/12 PM PT

Where to watch –

English language: ESPN and WatchESPN
Spanish language: Univision, Univision Deportes Network and Univision online
Portuguese language: ESPN Deportes

Referee –

Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Starting lineups – 

England starting XI: Hart, Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines, Gerrard, Henderson, Welbeck, Rooney, Sterling, Sturridge

Uruguay starting XI: Muslera, Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, Pereira, Gonzalez, Rios, Lodeiro, Rodriguez, Cavani and Suarez

England –

Following their 2-1 setback on opening day against Italy, England find themselves in a precarious situation going into today’s game. A loss would see their World Cup dreams shattered, thus there is zero margin for error for The Three Lions.

Uruguay –

The Uruguayans suffered a shock in their opener against Costa Rica as their 3-1 defeat has left them languishing at the bottom of the table. With they also facing the prospect of an early elimination, they will be desperate to make amends tonight against England.

Statistics –

Despite scoring just one goal, England managed to carve out 15 chances against the Italians throughout the game. That could give Roy Hodgson’s men some encouragement and belief in attack today. They could resort to a ‘shoot-on-sight’ policy again tonight, given the fact that they took 18 shots on Sirigu’s goal. The Uruguayan defense would have to put in a shift tonight to repel the English attackers and keep them at bay.

Men to watch out for –

Daniel Sturridge scored England’s goal, and looked like the most potent threat up front. With Wayne Rooney being drafted back in the hole behind him, we can expect Sturridge being supplied with more opportunities to score.

Uruguay have been lifted with the return of Sturridge’s Liverpool partner Luis Suarez, who has been declared fit and is set to start the match. His trickery and pace is something that would definitely prove to be a headache for the English defenders.

Prediction –

With both the teams in danger of being eliminated, we will surely see both of them go all-out in attack, and can expect a high octane contest. Goals could rain today, but I expect a draw at the end of a pulsating contest.

Uruguay 2-2 England