Roy Hodgson was like a man who knew his fate, but the inevitable could not be confirmed for a while. Hodgson and England had to wait at least 24 hours after losing 2-1 to Uruguay for the next update on its World Cup future.
If Italy and Costa Rica drew on Friday night, England's World Cup finals would have lasted seven days of a 31-day competition.
Italy 2, England 1. Uruguay 2, England 1. Two games, zero points. England needs a prayer mat, Italian help and the ability to beat Costa Rica by the required number of goals to advance to the knockout stage. No team has ever lost its opening two games at a World Cup and progressed. History can be a powerful enemy.