URUGUAY striker Luis Suarez is a phenomenon who will be at “full throttle” against England tonight, according to his former Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher.

The South American forward has been sidelined since a minor knee operation late last month and sat out his nation’s surprise defeat to Costa Rica in their opening match of the World Cup.

However, earlier this week Suarez claimed he was fully fit and Carragher warned England of the danger he will pose in Sao Paulo.

“You wouldn’t expect him to be 100 per cent fit but Luis Suarez is different from others players in world football - he’s a phenomenon.” said the former Reds centre-back.

“It is one of the few times I can remember him being injured as he’s played the last four summers on the bounce.

“I’m not expecting a 100 per cent fit Luis Suarez, but not far from it.

“He’s a winner and I don’t think he will be going into the game worrying about his injury.

“Some players go on to the pitch when they’re coming back from an injury and they’re not the same physically and mentally.

“He won’t have that in his head though.

“I know what type of character he is and he’ll be full throttle.

“Whether he’s as sharp as he normally is remains to be seen but he will not be worried one iota about his injury.

“It won’t stop him harrying people and trying things.

That is what makes him a great player.”

Thursday’s game is one neither side can afford to lose after both suffered defeats last week.

England’s loss against Italy saw Wayne Rooney, played out of position on the left, come in for significant criticism.

But Carragher does not expect England boss Roy Hodgson to make any knee-jerk reactions.

“I don’t think there will be too many changes from the starting XI. I think there’ll be a light tweak with Wayne in the middle and Raheem (Sterling) out wide,” he told talkSPORT.

“People criticised him (Rooney) on the left-hand side as it is not his favourite position but as players we all know you have to do a job for the team.

“We know he is better centrally but that is not the argument; he was involved in a good team performance and he created the goal.”