England Vs Brazil Match Preview (1 Viewer)

[Abdul Qawiyy]

On Saturday evening, England will bask under the bright lights of Wembley for the first time in 2024 as they face off against Brazil in an exciting friendly match. As Gareth Southgate's squad gears up for Euro 2024, Brazil, under new head coach Dorival Junior, are eager to break free from a string of disappointing results.

Memories of their heartbreak at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final three years ago linger, making this year's continental championships a crucial opportunity for Southgate to bring home some international glory for the Three Lions faithful. Despite the immense talent at his disposal, excuses are in short supply.

After a forgettable 2022, where England endured World Cup quarter-final disappointment and dropped to a lower tier in the Nations League, Southgate's side bounced back with an impressive showing in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. They clinched the top spot in their group, highlighted by victories over Italy and relatively smooth sailing against other opponents.

Before setting their sights on European supremacy and climbing back into the Nations League's top tier, England faces a series of friendlies in 2024. Belgium awaits them after Brazil, followed by matches against Iceland and Bosnia-Herzegovina in June. Despite their recent struggles, England remains unbeaten in 10 matches since their World Cup 2022 journey ended.

In contrast, Brazil finds themselves in a rough patch, enduring a three-game losing streak in 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Their post-Tite era under Fernando Diniz has been fraught with disappointment, a sharp departure from their usual dominance. However, they're still in contention for World Cup qualification, albeit trailing behind Argentina.

Facing England and Spain in friendlies offers Brazil a chance to rediscover their winning form or risk further dampening national morale ahead of the 2024 Copa America. While history favors Brazil against England, recent encounters have been less decisive, including a goalless draw in their last friendly in November 2017.

INJURIES & SUSPENSION​

Among the new faces in the England squad, Manchester United's rising star Kobbie Mainoo stands out. Initially called up to the Under-21s, Mainoo swiftly earned a promotion to the senior squad by Gareth Southgate. This means he could potentially make his debut for the senior team before even featuring for Lee Carsley's Young Lions.

Joining Mainoo are Jarrad Branthwaite, Anthony Gordon, and Ezri Konsa, all hopeful of making their senior debut for England. However, several established players like Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jack Grealish opted out of selection for various reasons.

Unfortunately, Harry Kane and a few others missed team training due to injury concerns, leaving options like Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney to compete for the striker position.

On the Brazilian side, head coach Dorival Junior faces a setback with five key players - Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ederson, Marquinhos, and Casemiro - withdrawing from the squad due to injuries. Additionally, Alisson Becker's thigh issue sidelines him, leaving Junior to work with three uncapped goalkeepers for their match against England.

These goalkeepers, Leo Jardim, Bento, and Rafael, are among the 11 players vying for their first caps with Brazil this month. Others include Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Savio from Girona, who is set to join Manchester City soon.

POSSIBLE LINE-UPS​

England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Gomez; Foden, Rice, Bellingham; Bowen, Watkins, Rashford

Brazil possible starting lineup:
Bento; Danilo, Bremer, Beraldo, Wendell; Guimaraes, Luiz; Raphinha, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison

EXPERT PREDICTION​

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England 1-2 Brazil

Brazil, under the leadership of Dorival Junior for the first time, will step onto the Wembley pitch with a squad featuring numerous uncapped players. This unfamiliarity makes them a bit of an enigma, especially considering their recent struggles and the patched-up nature of their team. They face a tough challenge to replicate the success of previous Brazilian squads against England.

Meanwhile, England also grapple with fitness concerns of their own. However, under Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions have a formidable record in home friendlies, having never lost.

With a squad brimming with talent and experience, they are poised to exploit any vulnerabilities in Brazil's inexperienced defense and secure a victory to kick off their 2024 campaign on a winning note.