England vs Brazil
An international friendly with pedigree and romance.
Most of you reading this article will not need any introduction to these two footballing nations.
In fact, depending on where you are from, some say one nation invented the game, some say the other country made people fall in love with it.
Whatever your stance, England versus Brazil conjures up visions of late greats such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, Pele and Carlos Alberto.
In more modern times, think Ronaldo, Michael Owen, Ronaldinho to name just a few.
And while there is little riding on Saturday’s encounter at Wembley, both nations have big summers ahead (in the shape of Euro 2024 and the Copa America) so we can reasonably expect some international friendly highlights.
Talking Points
Brazil have been hurting over the past year or so since their World Cup quarter-finals exit.
But surely their time will come again for the five-times world champions who head to London without Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli, captain Casemiro, Marquinhos and both goalkeepers, Alisson and Ederson, due to injury.
The truth is, even with those players, the South Americans aren’t exactly in a good place right now.
They have lost three of their first six qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and in January appointed Dorival Júnior as coach after 22 years in management, taking in clubs such as Cruzeiro, Santos, São Paulo, Palmeiras and Flamengo.
This will be the 61 year-old’s first game in charge and in a way he has little to lose.
Because six nations will qualify from their CONMEBOL section, Brazil will almost certainly reach the 2026 World Cup – anything else would be unthinkable – so two, effectively, exhibition fixtures with England and Spain over the next week represent an opportunity for Junior to bed in ahead of the Copa where Colombia, Paraguay and either Costa Rica or Honduras await in the group stage.
His counterpart, England boss Gareth Southgate, is also expected to use the contest to try out some new combinations, particularly in attack with Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins expected to get a chance to audition to replace captain Harry Kane, who has an ankle knock, and Bukayo Saka, a late withdrawal from the squad.
A come from behind victory against the reigning European champions last autumn, a qualification double over Italy, meant the Three Lions side reached this summer’s showpiece in Germany with two games to spare and they begin as favourites.
Look out also for talented Manchester youngster Kobbie Mainoo. In fact, try to imagine how he is feeling.
A week ago, Mainoo, 18, was named in the under-21s squad but has been promoted to Southgate’s senior side all within the course of the last few days.
Perhaps this is the latest romantic notion of a fixture which makes many a generation bleary-eyed.
History
This will be the 27th time that the two nations have met in international football.
Unsurprisingly, Brazil dominate the head-to-head record with 11 wins to England’s four, with a further 11 games finishing as a draw.
England’s last win over the Selecao was a 2-1 win in a friendly in 2013, with Frank Lampard’s strike giving them their first victory over Brazil for 23 years.
Since then, the two sides have played out two draws, with the last meeting a drab 0-0 at Wembley in 2017.
The last time England and Brazil met in a competitive match was in the World Cup quarter-final in 2002, with Brazil triumphing 2-1 courtesy of Ronaldinho’s infamous lofted free-kick over David Seaman.
That was just the fourth time that England and Brazil had contested a match at the World Cup, with Brazil winning two of the previous three meetings.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP International friendly betting odds give the home side the edge with England priced 1X2 @ 1.92 and Brazil out @ 3.38.
Even the draw is favoured well behind a home win @ 3.09.
I suppose England players have slightly more reason to impress at this stage and that is perhaps reflected in Asian Handicap odds -0.50 @ 1.92 contrasting with Brazil +0.25 @ 2.19.
Of course, if this was a meeting in a tournament, I suspect it would be a lot different.
I can’t see a successive goalless draw between the nations, although 0-0 Correct Score would earn you a pay day @ 10.50 with Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.28, so how about 2-3 @ 1.91. 4-6 @ 3.37 or Over 2.50 @ 1.91.
I think there will be a few goals and I think England will have the edge so my ** tip is Half Time Full Time Draw Home @ 5.00.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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