domingo, 2 de junio de 2013

International friendly preview: Brazil - England - Goal.com



Premier League-based trio David Luiz, Oscar and Julio Cesar are all expected to start, while Oscar will be competing against the likes of Lucas Moura and Paulinho for a spot in midfield.

New Barcelona striker Neymar could feature from the off, while youngster Bernard will be hoping to add to his one cap after his surprising call-up to the Confederations Cup squad.

For England, striker Daniel Sturridge (ankle ligament) is waiting on scan results after injuring himself during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland. Jermain Defoe came on in place of the Liverpool man at Wembley to partner Wayne Rooney, but is struggling with an Achilles problem, while Danny Welbeck will also be hoping for some game time.

Roy Hodgson may well change his central defensive partnership as he continues to decide on his first choice pairing following the retirements of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, while the more experienced James Milner will be hoping for a start after being afforded just a short cameo against Ireland.


  • England's last match at Maracana was in 1984, when goals from John Barnes and Mark Hateley secured a famous 2-0 win.
  • Despite being just 21 years old, Neymar is the highest-scoring member of the current squad with 20 goals.
  • Brazil legend Ronaldo scored his first ever international goal against England, in a 3-1 win at Wembley in 1995.
  • England won its last meeting with Brazil, in February, but that was the team's first triumph since 1990.
  • Wayne Rooney (pictured right) has scored seven goals in his last eight games for the Three Lions.
  • The game on Sunday marks the official reopening of the Maracana before the 2014 World Cup - these two teams also met to mark the senior England side's first competitive game at the new Wembley in 2007.
  • Brazil has scored in every one of its last nine international fixtures against England.

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