Former England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes that even a half-fit Luis Suarez could end the Three Lions’ World Cup dreams in Sao Paolo.

Roy Hodgson’s men enter game two of their Brazilian adventure knowing that a defeat could well send them home with one match to spare, with an opening day 2-1 deficit against Italy having left them at the foot of Group D.

Uruguay are in the same boat as England after losing to Costa Rica, but optimism in their camp is high with Suarez set to return to the starting XI after missing the clash with the Central Americans.

The Liverpool star – who was voted the Premier League’s top performer last term – only underwent surgery on a knee injury a few weeks ago, and even though he has talked up his fitness he is unlikely to be 100% for tonight’s game.

But ‘Carra’ – who played with Suarez at Anfield before retiring – says that even if the forward is not at the peak of his powers he still has enough ability to cause England serious problems:

“You wouldn’t expect him to be one hundred percent fit but Luis Suarez is different from others players in world football, he’s a phenomenon.” He told talkSPORT.

“He’s a winner and won’t be going into the game worrying about his injury. Some players go onto the pitch, when they’re coming back from an injury, and they’re not the same physically and mentally. He won’t have that in his head though.

“I know what sort of character he is and he’ll be full throttle. Whether he’s as sharp as he normally is remains to be seen but he will not be worried one iota about his injury.

“It won’t stop him harrying people and trying things. That is what makes him a great player. I’m not expecting a one hundred percent fit Luis Suarez, but not far from it.”

[ad_pod id='memegen' align='center']