The Three Lions boss insisted the Uruguay star needed to prove himself at the World Cup, after which he scored twice to set the country’s elimination from the tournament in motion

Luis Suarez has revealed that Roy Hodgson’s assessment that he must prove himself at the World Cup gave him the motivation to down England.

The striker made his return from keyhole knee surgery on Thursday night and scored two goals to leave the Three Lions without a point from their opening two group games for the first time in history.

Italy’s loss to Costa Rica on Friday confirmed England’s elimination and Suarez has called on Hodgson and his other critics to re-assess their opinion after “too many laughed” about his on and off-field antics.

“It wasn’t revenge but in England they talked about the injury and the coach had words that annoyed me,” Suarez is quoted as saying by The Liverpool Echo.

“It was one of the best games I’ve played. It’s an amazing moment for me.

“Maybe a few days ago I thought this wouldn’t be possible. Before the game too many people in England laughed about my attitude over the last few years.

“This is a very good time for me. I want to see what they think now.”

Suarez is now confident he can continue performing at the highest level in light of Hodgson’s comments that he is not a “true great”, with Uruguay going head to head with Italy on Tuesday for a last-16 berth.

“My wife and my two children are important to me and [Uruguay physio] Walter [Ferreira] is also important. The goals were for him because of what he did for me,” Suarez said.

“I have to thank him. I scored the goals but he is the man responsible for them.

“I was probably only 50 per cent fit but it is due to the work of all the fantastic doctors and physiotherapists that I was able to be 50% ready and I am thankful that that was enough to beat England.

“I have some more days to get ready for the next game now and the more I train the sharper and more ready I will be.”