Ecuador finished second in Group A behind Germany but booked their place in the second round by beating Poland and Costa Rica and Suarez said their performances had shown they were able to play on the biggest stage.

"We feel positive because Ecuador was an unknown country and our tactical strategies were good," he said.

"Today we were playing against England, so it wasn't easy. It was a centre field game, more complicated for both teams.

"I think that our rivals respected us today. This says a lot about what the England coach thought about us.

"A lot of people were very sceptical about us, a lot of people thought we would probably lose all three games. So I am very proud of my players."