Put your money on Lions
England among W-Cup favourites, says coach Tite
LONDON: Brazil coach Tite views England as one of the favourites to win next year’s World Cup and believes the cosmopolitan nature of the English Premier League has benefited their national team.
England manager Gareth Southgate also successfully blooded several new players in Friday’s 00 friendly draw with World Cup titleholders Germany.
“Even though Southgate has only had 13 games (as manager) so far, with Dele Alli, Kane and the experience of (Gary) Cahill, that tradition counts, so I see England as one of the favourites,” Tite said on the eve of Brazil’s clash with England at Wembley on Monday.
“I’m not just saying that because I’m here at Wembley, speaking in front of English people.
“Compared to Japan, the technical demands of (Tuesday’s) game are going to be higher.
“Historically, England’s (football) is a mix between technical football, on the floor, but also physical contact, quality, short passing, triangulation.
“In the Premier League there are so many foreign coaches and different players. It’s a very strong league with different styles.”
Brazil have been flying since Tite succeeded the sacked Dunga in June 2016, qualifying at a canter for next year’s World Cup and winning 13 of the 16 games they have played under his stewardship.
The fivetime world champions warmed up for the trip to Wembley by beating Japan 31 in Lille on Friday, with Gabriel Jesus scoring the third goal to take his Brazil tally to eight goals in 12 games.
English football fans are no stranger to Jesus’ talents due to his displays for Manchester City and Brazil teammate Dani Alves believes he can become as important to the national team as the great Ronaldo.
“I wasn’t joking when I called him the new Ronaldo,” Alves told Monday’s prematch press conference at Wembley.
“He’s already great and will get even better. For all that he’s done, all that he’s achieved, there’s no pressure. He’s doing what he loves.”
Meanwhile, England have arranged friendlies against Holland and Italy in March as they step up their preparations for the World Cup.
The Three Lions will face Holland in Amsterdam on March 23 before hosting Italy at Wembley four days later.
Both Holland and Italy have failed to qualify for next year’s Finals in Russia, but Southgate expects them to provide strong opposition as he fine tunes his squad.
Holland finished third behind France and Sweden in their qualification group.
Italy will miss the World Cup for the first time since 1958 after losing 10 on aggregate in their twoleg playoff against Sweden.
England are also set to play two further friendlies before the World Cup, but the opponents won’t be selected until after the Finals draw, which takes place on Dec 1 in Moscow. — AFP