The striker is expected to return from a knee injury for the crucial Group D fixture between England and Uruguay in Sao Paulo on Thursday

By Greg Stobart in Rio de Janeiro

Daniel Sturridge hopes Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez is passed fit to face England – and says Roy Hodgson’s men have no fear about facing Uruguay on Thursday.

Suarez is expected to return from a knee injury for the clash in Sao Paulo despite missing Uruguay’s 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica in their opening Group D fixture.

Sturridge says he has not heard from his Suarez but holds no fears about his club team-mate as England look to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Italy on Satuday.

“I hope he’s fit, we want to face the best Uruguay possible,” Sturridge said at England’s training base in Urca.

“It’s about our team and we will look to play the same way whether he’s fit or not.

“I’m not on texting terms with Luis at the moment. I don’t think Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Glen Johnson or Raheem Sterling are either. I don’t think he wants to give away how he’s feeling.

“He’s not asked me for any clues, and I’ve not asked him for any clues. Whether they have Luis or not, we’ll play the same.”

Sturridge felt England deserved at least a point from the Italy game in Manaus and admits Thursday’s fixture has become make-or-break for the Three Lions’ hopes of qualifying for the second round.

“We realise it’s a big, big occasion for ourselves and our careers,” he added.

“Some people only get to play one World Cup so you don’t want to go home early. It’s the results that matter, not the performances.

“I don’t think it’s a game anyone wants to miss, whether they are a player or a supporter, from Uruguay or England.

“Nobody is going to want to miss this one, whether from Uruguay or England. Kids will be leaving school early to watch the game.”