There was, though, no space for Kaká in the selection, compounding a bad month for the Real Madrid star after the collapse of a proposed loan move to former side AC Milan.
Among those called to the squad for the first time are Spain-based defenders Miranda and Filipe Luis, both of Atlético Madrid. Both players have been key to their side’s fine form in La Liga and were heavily tipped for inclusion.
Also included is Bayern Munich defender Dante—a member of one of European football’s meanest defences this season. There was, however, no room for his Brazilian colleagues Rafinha and Luiz Gustavo.
Hulk retains his place in the squad, despite a disappointing campaign in Russia, while Fred and Arouca are complete the domestic inclusions. Lazio star Hernanes, too, is recalled in midfield.
Among the notable absentees tipped for consideration are Shakhtar duo of Willian and Fernandinho, Porto’s Fernando, Internacional’s Leandro Damião and Manchester United’s Rafael.
Full squad to face England on February 6 at Wembley:
Goalkeepers: Júlio César (QPR), Diego Alves (Valencia)
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Adriano (Barcelona), Filipe Luis (Atlético Madrid), Dante (Bayern), David Luiz (Chelsea), Leandro Castán (Roma), Miranda (Atlético Madrid)
Midfielders: Arouca (Santos),Paulinho (Corinthians), Hernanes (Lazio), Ronaldinho (Atlético Mineiro), Ramires (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea)
Forwards: Hulk (Zenit), Fred (Fluminense), Luis Fabiano (São Paulo), Neymar (Santos), Lucas Moura (PSG)
