Wayne Rooney says he is fully aware that England’s game against Uruguay is now a "do-or-die" encounter, as they attempt to reach the knock-out phase of the FIFA World Cup.
The Three Lions lost 2-1 to Italy on Saturday in Manuas, while Uruguay also lost their tournament opener – 3-1 against Costa Rica.
Both teams will now be going all-out for a win in Sao Paulo on Thursday - and despite the defeat in Manaus, Rooney remains upbeat about England’s chances.
Uruguay v England
FIFA World Cup Group D
Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
8pm, Thursday 19 June
Live on ITV
"We have to stay positive. We obviously need the three points now against Uruguay and we go into that game confident,” said the 28-year-old.
"We will take a few of the positives from the game and hopefully that can help us there.
"It will [feel like a do-or-die game]. We know if we lose the game we are more or less out, so we have to be positive and go at it in some ways the way we did.”
There were a number of impressive performances for England - with Liverpool duo Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge coming in for particular high praise.
And Rooney believes the Three Lions can build on their display against the Azzurri as their prepare for the crucial game against the side ranked seventh in the world.
“We have to stay positive. We obviously need the three points. We go into that game confident.”
Wayne Rooney
"We went at Italy, I think we lost the two goals at a bad time, really, and we couldn't quite recover from the second one. But we will certainly give it a good go,” he added.
"Uruguay is a game we can win - we know they have got some really good individual players and a good team - likewise we do.
"They have got good forwards - the likes of Forlan and Cavani but we will prepare for their best team and it will be a tough game, I am sure, but we are definitely confident."
And Rooney ended by assuring England fans he is ready to work as hard as ever in training to prepare himself for the fixture and earn a place in Roy Hodgson’s starting eleven.
“I have never felt my place is guaranteed. No player does. I have always worked hard to get into this team and will continue to do so,” he said.
England take on Uruguay in Sao Paulo on Thursday 19 June at 8pm BST.
The game is live on ITV and coverage starts at 7pm.
