Liverpool attacker Philippe Coutinho says he is surprised at how early England were knocked out of the World Cup, but his happy that Steven Gerrard and co. will be rested for pre-season.
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez celebrates scoring the second goal against Norwich City with team-mates Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho Correia during the Premiership match at Carrow Road. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
England face Costa Rica on Tuesday in their final group D game, unable to qualify for the second round of the tournament after back-to-back defeats to Italy and Uruguay in their opening matches.
Liverpool’s Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Glen Johnson, Jordan Henderson and Rickie Lambert have all played in the disappointing campaign.
Coutinho is currently resting ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season campaign, which gets underway with a friendly at Brondby on Wednesday, 16th July — just three days after the World Cup final.
On England’s disappointing World Cup performance, he told Placar, with quotes picked up by Sky Sports, “It surprised me because I thought they would go further.
“I thought they would meet Brazil in the final! But on the other hand this is even a good thing as my Liverpool team-mates will be more rested for the pre-season.”
Luis Suarez subjected England to their effective elimination from the competition by scoring twice in Uruguay’s 2-1 victory over Roy Hodgson’s side on Thursday night in Sao Paulo.
Coutinho says he’s delighted for the Liverpool forward.
“Suarez is a big friend, I am happy for him. He returned and managed to help his national team. We know the difficulties he has gone through.”
Philippe Coutinho Correia celebrates scoring the winning third goal against Manchester City with team-mates captain Steven Gerrard and Jon Flanagan during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
After being part of Liverpool’s formidable attack in 2013/14, Coutinho is itching to get back on the pitch himself.
“I am very anxious. I cannot wait to start the pre-season,” he added. “A week here, watching games on television, is already driving me crazy.”
Coutinho has made 50 appearances for Liverpool since signing from Inter Milan in January 2013, scoring eight times.
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