We Have To Be Tactically Prepared For Brazil – Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate has cautioned he who cares to listen that Brazil will be a tougher test for England than Germany because of the individual quality of players like Neymar, who he claimed is the only player in the world who can justify a £200 million price tag.

“There’s been a good response to what happened on Friday but we’ll be judged again on the performance [against Brazil],” Southgate said. “We’re in for a much sterner test against this Brazilian team. They’re well down the road in terms of knowing what their best team is, they have a very clear way of playing, some outstanding individuals and an immense physical presence.

“It’s a different sort of challenge for us, which you’d expect against a team who have annihilated everyone they’ve faced in South American qualification, the hardest way to reach the finals. We have to be spot on to have a chance of winning the game.

“We have to be tactically prepared to make sure we’re ready for the game, but equally their attacking players have individual technical qualities and speed and acceleration that our individuals have to be able to cope with. We’ve got to be savvy in the way we set up, but also in the end you have to be able to deal with those players on a one vs one basis at times. That will be a challenge we haven’t faced up until now.”

The main threat will be Neymar, who became the world’s expensive footballer last summer when he left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth around £200 million. Asked if any player is worth such a fee, Southgate replied: “Well, if there was to be one it would be him.”

Eric Dier will captain England again after becoming the second-youngest player ever to wear the armband against Germany, while Southgate has not ruled out the possibility of bringing uncapped trio Dominic Solanke, Angus Gunn and Lewis Cook off the substitutes’ bench.

“We have to see how the game progresses, but I won’t have any hesitation in putting them on the pitch,” Southgate added. “Angus has worked with the U21s and other two are captain and golden boot winner of the U20 World Cup winners. I won’t have any hesitation.”