Simon Mignolet:
Liverpool’s Belgian goalkeeper is second in line to start for his national team, with Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois playing every game so far, with Belgium picking up two tight wins to progress to the round of last 16.
Pepe Reina:
Liverpool’s goalkeeper who spent last season on loan at Napoli also had to sit on the bench for Spain for there first two games, playing the final game in a win vs. Australia where he was rarely worried. Though given the extremely erratic performance of captain Iker Cassilas perhaps Reina may feel genuinely aggrieved to not have seen more game time in Brazil this summer.
Glen Johnson:
The marauding right-back has suffered a poor World Cup thus far, with performances perhaps being a microcosm of his past season for the Reds. Against Italy he survived an appeal for handball against him in the penalty area, but performed better than he had done in England’s World Cup warm-up games.
In the following game for England vs. Uruguay Glen was worse defensively continually being exposed. Yet his standout moment of the tournament thus far was seen where he assisted Wayne Rooney brilliantly through a fine run and cross.
Jordan Henderson:
In both games for England Henderson’s performances were somewhat bland, though it must be stated the system failed him here as much as he did himself. Being paired in a pivot beside Steven Gerrard he was forced to do a lot more work for the weary-legged captain. With that, his positive runs forward he makes so often for Liverpool were seen very infrequently
A fine shot early on vs. Italy perhaps gave hope that Jordan might be given licence to express himself in Brazil but Roy seen that would not happen. Jordan will never be a true flair player but his performances for Liverpool last season prove he can be an effective player if the system allows it – seems such thoughts went over Roy’s head here.
Raheem Sterling:
Perhaps one of the most interesting performances to examine to date for Liverpool’s players in Brazil, Sterling went into the tournament on the back of a superb season for Liverpool, with an accentuated responsibility to attack added to his duties too.
In the warm-up games it seems Roy didn’t help Sterling. He didn’t start the first two games and a late red card vs. Honduras meant he’d miss the final warm-up game. Roy though, insinuated this would not stop him from starting Sterling in England’s first game vs. Italy.
Sterling started vs. Italy and within two minutes had nearly scored a goal of the tournament contender, a whopping 30 yard strike hit just wide of Gigi Buffon’s net. Playing the first half centrally Sterling shone, hassling and harrying the Italy midfield where he initiated many attacking transitions. In the second half though Sterling was moved to play left-wing to accommodate Wayne Rooney who had struggled playing on the left. Although he didn’t necessarily disappoint in the half he didn’t light up like he did in the first 45.
Against Uruguay Sterling suffered a similar faith he saw during the second half vs. Italy. Playing left wing the young starlet struggled to get into the game throughout. His performances mirrored more of his early performances for Liverpool with erratic touches featuring.
Overall Sterling can be happy with his World Cup so far. He gained vital experience playing on such a big stage and perhaps experience too of being played in a less favourable position.
Steven Gerrard:
Liverpool and England’s captain is perhaps the most controversial of performances at the World Cup so far. Again with that was said for Jordan Henderson the deep pivot of both Liverpool midfielder’s done neither any favours.
Gerrard spent the second half of last season in a deep-lying playmaker role in a midfield three. Being covered by two midfielders either side of Gerrard he was given the chance to put his stamp on the game with a very impressive passing game.
For England though, the two man midfield left Gerrard horribly exposed physically, being caught out on numerous occasions in both matches. The England captain was not as his best, as he struggled to keep up with Italy’s midfield and got caught in possession too often.
Against Uruguay his faults were further exposed, physically failing while making mistakes with his passing, most notably losing a defensive header which lead to a fine goal by Luis Suarez.
Gerrard has probably played his last game for England, with Lampard set to play instead vs. Costa Rica. Having spent a career lighting up Anfield yet rarely for Wembley the critics will say he failed for his country. They’re wrong though, continually the systems he played under failed him, failed one the most explosively talented players England has ever seen.
Daniel Sturridge:
The Liverpool number 15 was given the coveted central role for England following a record breaking season for the Reds. Playing centrally Sturridge is perhaps the only player to have no complaints of being played out of position. Againt Italy Sturridge shone. The striker scored his fifth goal in nine England appearances and forced a good save out of Sirigu.
Against Italy Sturridge was not so fortuitous and saw a lot less chances presented to him. A frustrating night perhaps will provide Liverpool’s striker with as much experience as the game vs. Italy where he scored did. One hopes Sturridge doesn’t let his England experience get him down when he returns to Liverpool in the coming weeks.
Rickie Lambert:
Liverpool’s new striker has been living on cloud nine recently. Being selected to travel with the England team to go to Brazil was a dream in itself, yet to sign for Liverpool was truly out of this world for the scouser. Having scored a fine goal in one of the warm-up games Lambert would have hoped to be given a chance along the way to impress.
Nevertheless Lambert wasn’t played at all vs. Italy and must have been annoyed to not been given a chance to Impress Hodgson. Against Uruguay Lambert played in the final 5 minutes but never got a chance to do anything of note.
With a much changed team expected for England’s final game surely Lambert will get some decent game time for England – another fine moment for Lambert.
Mahamadou Sakho:
Sakho has played in both of France’s extremely impressive wins in the World Cup so far. Despite the polarising views his performances conjure – notably Martin Keown – he has rarely put a foot wrong in either game.
His assured passing and blood’n’thunder tackles have been there for all to see. An injury seen in France’s second game will probably mean he is rested until the round f 16 game next week.
Luis Suarez:
Liverpool’s best and most controversial footballer perhaps ever didn’t fail to make the headlines in Brazil. With Suarez in a wheelchair only 5 weeks ago following a meniscus surgery on his knee the English media speculated wildly whether the would play in Brazil at all.
Having to sit out Uruguay’s first game where they shockingly lost 2-1 to Costa Rica Suarez couldn’t help but look extremely disappointed not to be able to help his team face crushing defeat.
Following that loss the speculation whether he’d play reignited – quotes saying he would play – if he was 100% - inevitably where misquoted and entered the English press. England was ready and so was Suarez – though he was far from 100% fit.
Interestingly Suarez’ overall game play vs. England wasn’t brilliant, yet his two stunning finishes were the mark of the only player to get a chance to say he is genuinely part of the elite bracket accompanied by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
His first finish, a fine header from an Edison Cavani cross left Joe Hart stranded, only to look despairingly as the ball hit the net and sunk English hearts. The second goal though, will be the one to look back upon in years to come. The goal showed the world where he excels better than anyone else – anticipation.
Far from a truly quick player Luis Suarez needs to think quicker – sometimes three and four moves ahead of everyone else. The infamous poor defensive header from Steven Gerrard put Luis Suarez in on goal with only Hart to beat. A strong strike into the roof of the net was enough to give Uruguay a famous win and effectively send England home early from Brazil - a special moment for the infmaous Luis Suarez.
