England vs Brazil. More important than most think?

My score prediction was 2-0 Brazil, and it looks about right (currently 1-0, with Brazil missing a penalty!). I don't think that a second-string English side has the quality to beat Brazil, and I think the game - what I've seen of it so far, anyway - rather exposes the lack of depth in the English squad. Bent went off having played entirely anonymously, though he got no service up front. Wes Brown is playing an absolute shocker and there are still issues in goal... I really don't know what England can do at the World Cup in 2010!

Well, we know the score now, and I have to say, 'We wuz robbed!' The referee allowed Brazil to foul with impunity, and fair play to England, they refused to be goaded. Wayne Rooney was great as captain, James Millner played his heart out, and the squad did us proud. Anybody who expected England to beat Brazil obviously still believes in the Tooth Fairy and Father Christmas, because it was never likely to happen. The point is, this was very much a second choice team, yet they weren't afraid to mix it with Brazil, and they certainly didn't disgrace themselves. The boys done good!

I think England do have a good chance to beat Brazil. But I guess both countries would treat this as a friendly and there would not be too much of serious intent in this match. Especially these days where clubs literally own players, they would have given them strict guidelines not to injure oneself for a friendly and hence I do not think that this is going to be any kind of serious competition. Cheers! Ram

Well, they lost and Brazil dominated most of the match. Well it was Englands b side any how but still you'd expect much more from an England team with Rooney captaining them. Can't wait till the world cup starts. Should be great to watch.

With only one friendly left after the Brazil game before the World Cup squad is selected this is an important game as far as squad selection goes. The situation has been made more interesting by the number of injuries. For the English players fighting for a place on the plane to South Africa, this is a huge game. Any player putting in a good performance against Brazil could well cement their place in the squad. If Terry doesn't start, or pulls out of the game early, it will perhaps be a chance to see Rooney wearing the captains armband. Rooney takes every game seriously – his desire to win is unquenchable. If he is captaining the side then don't expect him to let his team mates treat the game like a warm up match. There is a Plan B in the squad – there is a degree of depth. But hopefully a Plan B in the World Cup itself won't be based upon almost the entire first eleven being injured.