ENGLAND V BRAZIL PREVIEW

This weekend sees a host of international matches take place.

Eyes will be all over the place watching to see who comes through the play-offs to book a place in South Africa. (Will Ronaldo make an appearance for Portugal even though he is injured?) Others will be watching as their beloved countries take on each other. It’s all about the World Cup now. Tweaking the formations, sanding the rough edges, and settling on ‘the best 11’.

One of these matches that many (including me) will watch with much interest is a friendly being played in Qatar. Currently ranked number 1 in the world, Brazil, will be a good yard stick for the hopefuls from England.

Much has been said about the change around in performance and ‘winning attitude’ in the England side since the arrival of Capello. (Don’t send any text messages when you should be eating! He gets mad!)

The Three Lions came through qualifying relatively easily – just one slip up against the Ukraine. But how good are they? Have they become serious contenders for the World Cup? When picking who would make it to the quarter finals England is always there. The semis line up is most often England-less however.

Now they have an opportunity to step up and prove how serious this generation really is about winning a major competition.

Dunga has picked a virtually full strength Brazilian side. Capello has had to dive into his reserves a little however. Already without Gerrard and Lennon, the grim-faced Italian has now lost the service of Lampard (through injury) and Beckham (MLS play offs). David James hasn’t played much due to injury. Rio Ferdinand is also out with injury (and form…) issues. Ashley Cole is another worrying casualty.

That means England’s 11 will walk out on Saturday 6 men short of their best.

I think one or two players could count themselves unlucky not be in the squad. Joe Cole and Johnny Woodgate have had long injury lay-offs but their return has shown they haven’t lost any quality.

Darren Bent has received the call-up he has been seeking. Tottenham Hotspur have their two midfielders represented. Jermain Jenas makes a return and Tim Huddlestone receives his first senior call-up.

The squad doesn’t lack talent! But without some of their first choice starters they may lack the quality to test the men from Brazil.

The biggest worry for Capello has to be in defence. Robert Green, I think, will struggle. Matty Upson lacks pace and Wayne Bridge isn’t in Ashley Cole’s league.

A test of how far England have come, as well as a how deep Capello’s resources go.

Glamour, wags and cool haircuts aren’t going to win anything. But has Capello really changed that culture?

Saturday will give us an idea of just how far they’ve come.

My starting 11 would be:

Foster

Brown Cahill Terry Warnock

Young Barry Carrick Milner

Rooney Defoe