England fans may fear a return to fitness for Luis Suarez, but Daniel Sturridge is hoping to see his Liverpool team-mate line up for Uruguay on Thursday.
Roy Hodgson's side head to Sao Paulo knowing that, after Saturday's 2-1 loss to Italy, defeat could see them knocked out of the World Cup in the group stages.
However Uruguay – semi-finalists in South Africa four years ago – are in the same boat after a shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of Costa Rica hours earlier.
Suarez, who top-scored for Uruguay in the qualifying process and hit 31 Premier League goals last season, was forced to watch on from the bench on the weekend.
But the 27-year-old is widely expected to return from a niggling knee injury and Sturridge, who put so many defences to the sword alongside him last season, believes England can cope with his threat.
"I hope Suarez is fit," said Sturridge, who bagged England's goal against the Azzurri. "We want to play the best Uruguay team and we will go out and give it our best shot as a team.
"We need to negate Uruguay's threat. It's not just about Suarez or (Edinson) Cavani – it's a team game.
"We are looking forward to it, we're going out with a positive attitude and we are confident. We want to win to keep things in our hands. There is a lot of confidence, no nerves, no anxiety.
"There is not much time between the games, and we can't dwell on the last game. It's not a case of if we win, it's when we win."
Defeat to Italy has thrown up a number of selection debates regarding Hodgson's options, none more high-profile than Wayne Rooney.
Stuck out on the flank for most of the game in Manaus, the Manchester United striker may be offered a more central role this week – or a spot on the bench.
Ross Barkley impressed late on against Italy while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who shone in England's warm-up draw with Ecuador, returned to training on Monday.
Chamberlain, who strained a medial ligament in his right knee during the Ecuador game, sported heavy strapping before undergoing a physio session with Steve Kemp in Urca.
However, Sturridge had no interest in adding to the speculation – insisting instead that Hodgson has his plans under control.
"Wayne Rooney is a class player – wherever he is on the pitch he makes an impact. All our forwards can play in different roles," added the 24-year-old.
"He is experienced, he can handle all sorts. He is accustomed to playing in different roles.
"Selection is down to the manager. But everyone knows Wayne Rooney's qualities. We go into games to win, when you don't get the result your performance deserves you are disappointed. I am hungry – it's a big occasion. Every match at a World Cup is like a final."
