Teddy and Darren on England vs Uruguay

England have been urged to turn their opening World Cup performance into a win against Uruguay by a pair of Spurs and England legends.

Teddy Sheringham and Darren Anderton, who have 81 appearances and 18 goals for the Three Lions between them in addition to distinguished records here at White Hart Lane, were both encouraged by aspects of their nation’s showing in Saturday night’s 2-1 Group D reverse against Italy.

Roy Hodgson’s men will be looking for a return to winning ways when they take on Uruguay in Sao Paulo this evening, kick-off 8pm.

Teddy, who played at the tournament finals in 1998 and 2002, insists England are capable of getting their first points on the board tonight, ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Costa Rica.

“There were a lot of positives coming out of the game against Italy,” he said. “We got in behind them and we definitely did better than when we played them in the European Championships.

“We had chances to win the game although we didn’t actually take them. There were a couple of near misses and they probably controlled the game, but that was expected.

“It’s put us on the back foot straight away and we need to win every game that we play in now, so at least you know where you’re at. It’s a little bit like going into a game and being 2-0 down at half-time – you’ve got to go for it.”

Teddy’s former Spurs and England team-mate Darren, who famously scored against Colombia at the 1998 tournament in France, agreed that Hodgson’s men are capable of registering a victory against a Uruguay side still smarting from a 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica last weekend.

“The only negative against Italy was that we got beaten, but the performance and the way it was played was great to see and I think perhaps some people were probably a little bit surprised at how well we performed in the game,” said Darren.

“Of course, expectation is up again tonight but I’m sure if the players perform like they did on Saturday night they’ll get the result.”

Away from England, Teddy has been keeping a close eye on our players’ exploits in Brazil.

“I’ve seen quite a bit of them,” he added. “I think Hugo Lloris looked comfortable the other night so he’s done well. I saw the Belgium vs Algeria game as well with all the Spurs players involved there and it’s all great experience for the lads.

“For the players to gain experience of playing in World Cups, it can only be good for Tottenham.”