The midfielder insists he will not contact his Liverpool team-mate directly before the Three Lions’ crucial Group D clash on Thursday

By Kris Voakes in Sao Paulo

Steven Gerrard insists he will not speak to Luis Suarez in the hours before England face Uruguay in their crunch Group D encounter.

After suffering a 2-1 defeat in their World Cup opener against Italy in Manaus, Roy Hodgson’s side are in need of a win to boost their hopes of progressing out of the group.

Uruguay, meanwhile, are also without a point in Group D having lost 3-1 to Costa Rica.

Doubts remain over the fitness of Suarez, who underwent knee surgery less than four weeks ago, but Gerrard maintains the forward’s potential return will boost Uruguay.

“I won’t speak to him tomorrow two hours before the game, it would be disrespectful to my team-mates,” said Gerrard.

“I have spoken to Luis and had some banter with him, but I won’t speak to him tomorrow.

“Luis Suarez is a genius, I’ve said it many times. It will be a boost for Uruguay and their supporters to have him back, but they are more than just Suarez. We have a game plan in place to try to win this football match.”