England vs Brazil live at 7:30GMT – Match Preview

Scolari has already announced the lineup that will play tonight with Ronaldinho and Luís Fabiano completing shock returns to the national side. QPR’s Júlio César will start in goal with Barcelona duo Adriano and Dani Alves leftback and rightback respectively. David Luiz retains his place and Bayern Munich’s Dante will make his international debut alongside the […]
by
sambafoot_admin
2013-02-06 13:00:00

Scolari has already announced the lineup that will play tonight with Ronaldinho and Luís Fabiano completing shock returns to the national side.

QPR’s Júlio César will start in goal with Barcelona duo Adriano and Dani Alves leftback and rightback respectively.

David Luiz retains his place and Bayern Munich’s Dante will make his international debut alongside the Chelsea man.

Ramires and Paulinho continue their partnership in midfield and Fabiano spearheads a four man attack with Neymar, Ronaldinho and Oscar all lining up behind the São Paulo striker.

The Brazil boss originally named an experienced squad with the likes of Ronaldinho, Fred and Luís Fabiano all earning call ups.

Fluminense’s Jean had also been called up to replace the injured Hernanes after the midfielder was knocked out during Lazio’s win over Juventus in the Coppa Italia.

England have their own injury problems with Tottenham’s Jermain Defoe, Manchester United’s Michael Carrick and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge all ruled out.

There are unlikely to be any surprises for England although Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere could start alongside captain Steven Gerrard on his return to the national setup.

Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck will compete for a role alongside Wayne Rooney.

Chelsea’s Ashley Cole is also set to earn his 100th international cap for England, having earned his first cap against Albania in 2001.

The Seleção will be looking to extend their dominance over the Three Lions, having won 11 of their previous 23 games, losing just three times.

The last game between the two teams ended in a 1-0 win for Brazil in Qatar in 2009 thanks to a Nilmar header.

Brazil also took on England at the opening game of the new Wembley in 2007, with Diego equalising in injury time to grab a 1-1 draw after John Terry had put the hosts into the lead.

The last time England secured a victory over Brazil came under Sir Bobby Robson’s reign after a Gary Lineker strike sealed a 1-0 win in 1990.

Seleção star Neymar will also be looking to announce himself on the world stage, having scored eight goals in his last six appearances for Brazil.

Please visit Sambafoot at 7:30GMT for live text commentary.

Brazil: J. César; D. Alves, D. Luiz, Dante, Adriano; Ramires, Paulinho, Ronaldinho, Oscar; Neymar, L. Fabiano

England (expected): Hart; Cole, Johnson, Cahill, Lescott; Gerrard, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner; Rooney, Welbeck.