Group D - URU | CRC | ENG | ITA

Match threads in here.

Italy an Uruguay going through according to the TAB.

Seems logical to me.

I definitely think Uruguay are being overrated - they struggled in qualifying, Suarez won't be very fit and their midfield is not that strong.

Actually think draw favours England.  Playing CR last could work in their favour as good chance games v Italy & Uruguay will be cagey and result in draws. If that is the case, England will know pretty much what is required against a Costa Rica team most likely already knocked out.

Happy to be proved wrong on that one, as not England's biggest fan.

USA have the longest travel in the group stages. 14,000km over their three games. Ouch.

Not sure how that fact will affect this group

So prediction for Eng v Italy? Who will Eng start?

Crap. Wrong thread.

DRAW!

99% sure it will be:

Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Lallana, Rooney, Welbeck; Sturridge

We (England) usually seem to find a way to get out of the group even when not supposed to so I think we have a decent chance of doing so. Would be a very winnable second round too, before the usual penalty shootout in the quarterfinal. Can see the first game against Italy being a 0-0 bore with both managers going conservative to ensure they don't lose the first game. Also it's in the extreme tropical conditions deep in the Amazon so players will be out on their feet and not much will happen in the 2nd half.

We'll probably go into the Costa Rica game needing a win to go through.

Anything less than a draw for either team  will make it very hard to qualify.

99% sure it will be:

Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Lallana, Rooney, Welbeck; Sturridge

Agree with this, but Hodgson's natural conservatism and fears about Johnson defensively, may mean Milner gets a start. I wouldn't be surprised...

Sterling will play won't he?

Sterling will come off the bench, Roy's pragmatism mentioned above prefers Welbeck's defensive work, and does mean Milner might play. The Welbeck's borked story strikes me as the rabid English media latching on to the fact that he left training with the physio; he'll be fine.

Think it will be england and Italy.  Not as much pressure on England this time so expecting a little better than usual. unless it gets to a shoot out.

I'd question that - but you seem to be on a first name basis with the gaffer!

I also reckon England and Italy to progress. Uruguay are over rated to hell. If this World Cup weren't being played in South America - they wouldn't even qualified for the play off vs. Jordan. I have Uruguay to win first up, England and Italy to draw.

hmm sounds like a big call

Latest: Welbeck confirmed fit

Uruguay manager Tabarez says Suarez probably won't feature against Costa Rica -  but will probably return against England... 

Forlan and Cavani to start up front...

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/13/lu...

Sterling to start. 

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/14/liverpools-raheem-sterling-to-start-for-england-against-italy?CMP=twt_gu

Anyone surprised how well Costa Rica are playing?

Yeah quality and a good goal too

Given how well the two nations did in the respective qualification paths, it's not a surprise that Costa Rica are holding their own here.

my god what a game. costa rica have played the game of their lives, and uruguay have played horribly

what an upset!

Epic! Costa Rica my new second team! (particularly that Carlos isn't in the squad).

Well played Costa Rica.
No wonder Carlos is not playing, to win fast running is needed.

Joel Campbell though >>>>>>

looking forward to this game

carlos isnt playing for costa rica because he's shit and has a toxic attitude, the complete opposite of what that costa rican side showed.

Ummm what? Attitude yes, but shit?

GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!

Fuck off everyone who thinks England can't play football. Epic match 2 heavy weights dukeing it out.