England vs Uruguay: Phil Jagielka admits qualification hopes are slim, with England 'not exactly expecting something'

Italy must win both their games if they are to have any hope

Simon Peach
Friday 20 June 2014 13:10 BST
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(Getty Images)

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Phil Jagielka knows a remarkable turn of events are needed if they are to avoid becoming the first England side since 1958 to crash out at the World Cup group stage.

Roy Hodgson's side were unable to follow-up Saturday's promising, if frustrating, defeat to Italy, with Luis Suarez exposing their brittle defence as Uruguay triumphed 2-1 in Sao Paulo.

The returning Liverpool striker netted either side of Wayne Rooney's first World Cup goal to leave England facing the prospect of failing to make it out of Group D - an exit that will be confirmed should Italy and Costa Rica draw on Friday.

The Three Lions' hopes rely on Italy defeating Costa Rica and then Uruguay in their final match, with Hodgson's men needing three points in their finale against the Costa Ricans - a tough ask, and Jagielka knows it.

"There's a small chance but we are not exactly expecting something like that," the centre-back said. "We have to go out there and give a good performance against Costa Rica.

"We had them on the back foot. I'm not sure what went on with Daniel Sturridge's penalty appeal, and we had a couple of chances, but obviously we just weren't able to get that second goal.

"It it is a similar story to the Italy game. We played pretty well but not good enough."

Asked to sum up his feelings, Jagielka added: "Gutting. We played so well again in spells.

"It didn't go our way with Steven (Gerrard) flicking the ball on, and you just hope that he mishits one, but he hit the target and they win the game.

"We've not seen it again, but as a defender that's the last thing you want to see. A punt down the pitch, a flick-on and a goal.

"As you can tell by my voice, everyone is absolutely devastated."

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