England vs Brazil: Preview and Prediction

England v Brazil Preview/ Prediction

This match is a perfect way for England to celebrate 150 years of the Football Association. This match will prove an extremely big test for England with a very strong opposition with the quality of players in the Brazil squad.

England still hasn't managed to be entirely successful on the international front for a long while now especially with the quality and talent on paper in the England squad. When England put their head to it though they have the potential to put up some real fights against some top opposing nations out there. England managed to beat Italy in an International friendly on August 15th last year 2-1 but since then they have got some poor results against teams which really England should be beating. Out of England's last four games England have only won once with draws coming against Poland away and Ukraine at home and of course the Zlatan annihilation when England lost 4-2 at home to Sweden last year.

Brazil’s current form could possibly be in England’s favour as they haven’t been consistent either.  They have beaten and lost to Argentina 2-1 in their last six games as well as beating fairly rubbish sides in their last 6 games they have drew to Columbia and many stars included in the squad played a part in Brazil’s Olympic defeat to Mexico. So Brazil can also be questioned for form. But on paper the Brazil squad to play England is very impressive and talent can been easily witnessed from every corner of this squad.

Brazil Squad to play England:

GK

·         Julio Cesar (QPR), Diego Alves (Valencia)

DEF

·         Daniel Alves, Adriano (both Barcelona), David Luiz (Chelsea, ? questionable calf injury), Dante (Bayern Munich), Leandro Castan (Roma), Miranda, Filipe Luis (both Atletico Madrid)

MID

·         Ramires (Chelsea), Arouca (Santos), Paulinho (Corinthians), Hernanes (Lazio), Oscar (Chelsea), Ronaldinho (Atletico Mineiro), Lucas Moura (Paris St Germain)

ATT

·         Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Fred (Fluminense), Luis Fabiano (Sao Paulo).

England Squad to play Brazil:               

GK

·         Joe Hart (Man City), Jack Butland (Birmingham City)

DEF

·         Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka (Both Everton), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Glen  Johnson (Liverpool), Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole (Both Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Spus), Chris Smalling(Man UTD)

MID

·         Lennon (Spurs), Osman (Everton),  Lampard (Chelsea), Milner (Man City) Carrick (Man UTD, PULLED OUT),  Cleverley(Man UTD),  Walcott, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain(Arsenal, Walcott MID or possibly ATT), Gerrard (Liverpool)

ATT

·         Defoe (Spurs, PULLED OUT), Sturridge (Liverpool, PULLED OUT), Welbeck, Rooney (Man UTD)

First of all I can’t see Walcott starting in an attacking role despite the injuries of Defoe and Sturridge. Though this is a position I could see Walcott drifting out to a bit later into the game. I think the most likely option upfront is Rooney and Welbeck, though Welbeck hasn’t played many games for United I do think his talent is a big help to the national side and I think he is an option that should be started.

Ashley Cole has been confirmed to start the game but I’m sure we will see Baines at some point during the game given his current form. I’m not an overall fan of Johnson defensively, yes he is good at coming forward but I would prefer to see Walker to start alongside Lescott and Cahill at centre back. Midfield will be tricky especially if Walcott starts in midfield as well. Gerrard and Lampards current form is excellent alongside Jack Wilshire’s. Cleverley, Osman and Chamberlain I believe will start on the bench but I’ve got a feeling Milner may start put possibly in Right Midfield as he played over the last year. I’m not sure he will take the place of Lennon though as if he does the squad will be quite slow and lack the pace it will probably need against this Brazil side. The squad I’d like to see is a partially different to what I think it will be. I would like the defence to be the same but in midfield Lampard, Gerrard in middle and Chamberlain and Milner either side with Rooney and Walcott up front.

With Brazil Cesar should start given his form at QPR alongside a defence of Alves, Adriano and Dante. Luiz has been given the captains arm band but will only start if fit. The Midfield I think will consist of Ramires, Lucas and Ronaldinho, Oscar is also highly likely to participate at some point. I think the skilful star Neymar will play out on the left but is bound to drift in and play more as a second striker. I’m a fan of Hulk and think he is an exciting player to look out for tonight, I think he will stick to his right forward role with Fabiano in the middle.

Overall this game I think will be mostly a defensive one for England will Brazil likely to hold the majority of possession. England needs to be careful not to commit to many players forward especially with Cole, Johnson, Walker and Cahill liking to push forward on occasions. Brazil though can also be caught out with this point though as Alves and David Luiz two examples of defensive player that also like to venter forward.

Brazil isn’t as solid as they would probably like to be at the back with the absence of Thiago Silva. They can be beaten and scored against and I think if England took the chances tonight then then could get a good result. But when it comes to attacking I think Brazil could just edge the game with their attacking superstar Neymar. People have questioned the player’s talent not being as good as everyone is making it out as he plays for Santos and not a very good league. I believe Neymar is a great player and the Brazilian league is a very close fought battle every year, it will be interesting to see what he can do against some of the Premier Leagues best but I’m sure his magic will sparkle at some stage tonight.

Overall I think the game will be very close and England does have a chance of getting a result if they take their chances. I think though that Brazil will just edge the game and win but in a close game. A key player, for Brazil, to watch out for is probably Neymar, Hulk and Alves but I can also see a very impressive performance tonight from want away Chelsea player Frank Lampard for England.  

Overall prediction England 1-2 Brazil.