The Three Lions boss was reacting to Friday’s draw in Costa do Suaipe and although he admitted it will not be easy, he was adamant England’s opponents will have just as much food for thought.
He said: "I can't deny it's a tough group. Suarez and Balotelli are enormous threats, Cavani as well. Uruguay's front players are top drawer, as is Balotelli and his midfield players behind him - Pirlo and Montolivo.
“But, I'd like to think if Daniel can continue to do what he is doing, if Wayne can continue the form he is in then we'll have a chance as well. We're not going to get too hung up on opponents. I was asked by Italian TV about blocking Balotelli and Pirlo but maybe they will have to start thinking about blocking Gerrard, Rooney and Sturridge.”
England's fixtures (BST)
- Italy, 14 June KO 11pm
- Uruguay, 19 June KO 8pm
- Costa Rica, 24 June KO 5pm
In addition to being paired alongside previous World Cup winners Italy and Uruguay, England will head into unknown territory for the final group game as they face Costa Rica for the first time in their history – and despite the South American side being considered group outsiders, Hodgson said it would be dangerous to underestimate them.
"I'd also like to put a word in for Costa Rica," he added.
"If they're going to be ignored somewhat because people don't know them so well.
“Speaking to Jurgen Klinsmann he was raving about them and how good they are. I know Brian Ruiz quite well. We will know the players just as the Costa Rican team will know the English players, the problem will be playing against them."
On the potentially gruelling trip to Manaus for the opening fixture against Italy, Hodgson was positive, saying the draw could have been far less kind from a logistical perspective.
"My fear wasn't one trip it was about having to move the base camp because all of our games were going to be in the northern part,” he said.
"We have one trip to the north which we'll make probably two days before the game is played and the other advantage is that it is another European team."
