Brazil striker Leandro Damião has insisted that England will not be among the teams fighting to win the World Cup next year.
Neymar has previously dismissed the Three Lions’ chances at the 2014 tournament, ahead of Sunday’s friendly at the Maracana Stadium, which Damião has reiterated.
The Internacional star, who is contnually being linked with Tottenham Hotspur, believes it is Spain and Germany who will carry the fight for Europe next summer, and not England.
The 23-year-old said: “I don’t see that there is any reason to fear England at the World Cup.
“Brazil always expect to win the World Cup – and even more so when it is being staged in our own country.
“And when you look at the nations who are a threat to us doing that, we don’t see England as one of them.
“Spain have dominated lately and Germany are clearly also a very powerful team. They are the teams who I think will be our major competition. I do not rate England to be anywhere near that level.”
The Seleção are currently languishing in their worst ever FIFA ranking of 19th place, but Damião insists they are ready and capable of putting the hurt on England.
“This is still a big game against England because we want our first game in the new stadium to be a victory,” he added.
“Also, everybody is trying to prove to the coach that they deserve to be in the team at the World Cup.
“Anybody who is given a chance to play has to take it – and if I am selected I will look to punish England.”
Source: Goal.com
