BOLTON'S faithful England fans were put through the wringer again as Luis Suarez struck twice to leave England facing a tough task to qualify for the World Cup's knock-out round.

The Bolton News watched England take on Uruguay in a crucial match alongside hordes of expectant supporters in the Elephant and Castle pub in the town centre.

There was a carnival atmosphere in the pub before kick-off, with scores of red and white-clad fans packing into the venue, singing and enjoying a nerve-calming pint or two.

And the mood was one of optimism, with most fans thinking the England team could build on a promising display in their opening defeat to Italy.

The mood was tense in the opening stages, with little to separate the two teams on the pitch.

Wayne Rooney twice went close, leaving most in the pub with their hands on their heads.

The lively atmosphere was silenced, however, when Liverpool striker Suarez headed in for Uruguay, five minutes before half-time.

But the pub's roof was almost lifted off when, with 15 minutes left, Glen Johnson's pass found Rooney in the box, who tapped in.

Cue wild celebrations from the Bolton faithful.

The elation, of course, was not to last long, as Suarez won it for Uruguay with five minutes remaining.

Fan Kyle Oakes, aged 23, summed up the mood: "The support, as ever, was fantastic, but we are what we are.

"People always over-hype England's chances, but tonight was the best team Hodgson could have picked and we came up short.

"Every team we play just seems to be able to get the better of us."