<p>Uruguay striker Luis Suarez said on Monday he felt “100 percent” recovered from knee treatment and was ready to face England in Thursday's Group D showdown in Sao Paulo if called upon.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The prolific Liverpool forward's cartilage surgery went smoothly last month, but he remains short of match fitness and missed Uruguay's surprise opening 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica. Coach Oscar Tabarez is staying mum on whether Suarez might start or come on for the game against England, who also lost their first match, 2-1 against Italy.<br /><br />“I'm 100 percent, otherwise I wouldn't be here,” Suarez told Uruguayan reporters at the team's training camp in Sete Lagoas.<br /><br />“I knew it would be difficult (to be ready for) the first game, but if the proper time was left then I was going to be 100 percent afterwards. I've done everything I had to do.<br /><br />“I'm training today with the team and I feel in good condition. I never lost the joy and the desire. I never thought I would miss the World Cup.”<br /><br />Given the importance of Thursday's game, with a loss for either side probably ending their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage, Tabarez may well gamble on playing Suarez.<br /><br />Having terrorized Premier League defences all season, Suarez will have relished seeing a few frailties exposed at the back in England's 2-1 defeat by Italy. “We hope Luis is fine and plays but if not, then it's up to the rest of us,” Uruguay captain Diego Lugano said. </p>
<p>Uruguay striker Luis Suarez said on Monday he felt “100 percent” recovered from knee treatment and was ready to face England in Thursday's Group D showdown in Sao Paulo if called upon.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The prolific Liverpool forward's cartilage surgery went smoothly last month, but he remains short of match fitness and missed Uruguay's surprise opening 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica. Coach Oscar Tabarez is staying mum on whether Suarez might start or come on for the game against England, who also lost their first match, 2-1 against Italy.<br /><br />“I'm 100 percent, otherwise I wouldn't be here,” Suarez told Uruguayan reporters at the team's training camp in Sete Lagoas.<br /><br />“I knew it would be difficult (to be ready for) the first game, but if the proper time was left then I was going to be 100 percent afterwards. I've done everything I had to do.<br /><br />“I'm training today with the team and I feel in good condition. I never lost the joy and the desire. I never thought I would miss the World Cup.”<br /><br />Given the importance of Thursday's game, with a loss for either side probably ending their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage, Tabarez may well gamble on playing Suarez.<br /><br />Having terrorized Premier League defences all season, Suarez will have relished seeing a few frailties exposed at the back in England's 2-1 defeat by Italy. “We hope Luis is fine and plays but if not, then it's up to the rest of us,” Uruguay captain Diego Lugano said. </p>