International Football: Brazil v England

After Wednesday’s friendly against Ireland, the English football season meanders to a close tonight with a showpiece game against the side who, in just over a year’s time, may be quaking under the weight of expectation as the World Cup kicks off in Sao Paulo.

Whether England will be there remains in the balance, and tonight’s game from Rio’s de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium isn’t likely to provide too many insights. After all, February’s 2-1 home victory against Brazil was followed by fumbling incompetence against Montenegro when it mattered. Never mind, if it allows Roy Hodgson to try out some of the squad’s lesser-tested talents like Rodwell and Cleverly, then it may prove a worthwhile exercise. Run-outs for Milner, Rooney and Glen bloody Johnson look more likely, though.