Roy Hodgson’s logic is once again head scratching stuff (Picture: AP Photo)

Prior to England’s second World Cup match against Uruguay later this week, manager Roy Hodgson has explained how Luis Suarez needs to perform on a world stage to be considered an all-time great.

The Independent explain that when Hodgosn was asked whether Suarez belonged in the same ‘world-class’ bracket as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the England manager said: ‘I think he will only be at that level when he shows it on this particular stage.’

That stage being the World Cup.

Suarez having scored three goals at a World Cup. Lionel Messi having scored only once prior to this World Cup, two now after his effort against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday.




That’s also three goals more than Wayne Rooney has ever scored at a World Cup, the man who Hodgson will accommodate into his side despite the Manchester United player not being the best in his position or any of the other attacking positions in the side.

Suarez has more goals at a World Cup than Messi and Rooney combined, despite playing less (Picture: AP Photo)

The calls for Rooney to be played centrally against Uruguay this week defy logic; forget the fact that Daniel Sturridge is in better form, better fitness, scored more goals in 2013/14, has better tactical awareness and discipline than Rooney.

Similarly, Raheem Sterling is more effective in the number 10 role.

But back to Suarez – who lit up the 2010 World Cup for both right and wrong reasons.

Once again Hodgson has shown his lack of knowledge, or memory, or both. Suarez has done it on the World Cup stage, Messi hadn’t, nor has Rooney.

Rooney has played in nine World Cup games, no goals.

Messi has played in nine World Cup games, two goals.

Suarez has played in six World Cup games, three goals.

Let’s also consider that Suarez is playing for Uruguay, not Argentina or England.

Yet Suarez is the one who needs to prove himself at this stage? Bizarre logic.

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