Paul Scholes believes Roy Hodgson is playing a risky game with his recent remarks about Uruguay striker Luis Suarez.

After the 2-1 defeat by Italy, England manager Hodgson declined to accept one reporter's view that Suarez should be termed a "world-class" player such as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

Hodgson said Suarez had to perform at a World Cup to be put in the highest bracket. And, given that England face Uruguay in their crunch Group D match tonight, Scholes believes Hodgson is playing with fire. "Roy Hodgson has questioned whether Suarez is world-class yet and challenged him to do it at the highest level," said Scholes. "This can be a dangerous thing: ask David Moyes. Before Everton played Liverpool in October 2012, I remember Moyes had a pop at Suarez about his diving. A few days later Suarez celebrated a goal by diving in front of Moyes in the dug-out."

If England lose, they will have to rely on other results going their way to qualify from Group D. England's final group game takes place next Tuesday against Costa Rica.