The Uruguay striker – who scored his country’s second goal in the 2-1 win over the Three Lions – says his club-mate is “one of the best” despite his late error in Brazil

Luis Suarez has expressed his sympathy for Steven Gerrard after scoring two goals to consign England to a 2-1 defeat on Thursday.

The Liverpool striker nodded home an Edinson Cavani cross in the first half before capitalising on an error from Gerrard to net an 88th minute-winner – despite undergoing keyhole surgery on his knee a matter of weeks ago.

Wayne Rooney’s first ever World Cup goal afforded England a glimmer of hope in the second half but the joy was short-lived, with Gerrard cutting a forlorn figure as he trudged off the pitch at full-time.

And Suarez admits he did not like seeing his club-mate so upset, having been comforted by the England captain after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

“He’s the best player I’ve played with on the pitch,” Suarez said.

“This is an unlucky moment for him. I don’t like it when he hurts like this. I said ‘Keep going, forget this game, you’re one of the best’.”