The Last Word - Sports Blog (Sean Simara)

England take on Uruguay tonight in a vital World Cup game, the loser goes home. It's a massive game for England but for Wayne Rooney it is his biggest game in the three lions shirt. Pressure & criticism are firing at him from all corners. He doesn't do it for England, he has not scored at a World Cup he gets the most stick from the fans by a mile.  But for me Rooney is England's best player, he is also the only player who has been anywhere near world class (including club form) in his career. He gets stick because of jealously. He plays for Man United, he has won most trophies in the game, and scored some memorable goals.  For strikers they have to be loved. Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo and even Suarez are all loved by their nations, for England we try to belittle are stars the best way we can. Thierry Henry said this week 'play Rooney in his best position & he will deliver you need to love him'. He knows something about scoring goals. Rooney's best...

A few quick fire points on the National team as Brazil is only a week away. Rooney has to start in the first game against Italy, he's the only player England have anywhere close to World Class. People slag him off but I think this tournament he will do the business. I can see Hodgson playing it super safe in the first game, I would not be surprised if he goes reliable dogged players first, rather than young flair players, and make sure they don't lose the first game.  England have a problem if Jagielka or Cahill get injured because Smalling and Jones are not as good yet. I think this will be England's line up in the first game against Italy.                                 Hart            Jonhson    Jagielka     Cahill  ...