England v Brazil Prediction 2nd June 2013

England v Brazil Betting Preview
This is a match between two sides who both need to pick themselves up a bit. England were uninspiring in their midweek international friendly against the Republic of Ireland. Now they have to try and raise their game to take on a tougher opponent. It is off to the refurbished famous Maracana Stadium for Roy Hodgson’s men to try and take on the 2014 World Cup hosts. Just as much as England need to prove themselves with a good display here, the Brazilians themselves need to try and turn around some below par form as well.

England v Brazil Betting Odds at online bookmaker Ladbrokes
Brazil 8/13, Draw 11/4, England 9/2

Online bookmaker Promotion
England weren’t looking too threatening in front of goal at Wembley against Ireland, can they do better on Sunday? There is a great promotion on offer for the match at online bookmaker Ladbrokes. If it is England who score the first goal of the match, then Ladbrokes will refund all losing First Goalscorer, Scorecast and Correct Score bets placed before kick off. Superb coverage and there are up to three free £10 bets on offer for new customers registering an account with the betting site.

England v Brazil Recommended Bet:
Roy Hodgson came under some heavy fire after England’s pretty dour performance against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley. He reverted to a 4-4-2 formation which offered little creativity and penetration and while England had some pace on the flanks, there was little end product from them. Despite having the lion’s share of possession in the game, they weren’t mobile enough and they couldn’t do much with the ball in terms of breaking down the Irish. So following a disappointing draw against Montenegro in their World Cup qualifying, England look to have hit a bit of a rut. However, the Three Lions did produce a win over Brazil at Wembley back in February. Somehow they need to get back on track, even if it is just putting in a good performance at the Maracana in Rio. They will be hope to be back there next summer for the 2014 World Cup.

But Brazil haven’t been in top stride for a long time now, having won just one of their last seven matches. Of course, they aren’t involved in competitive matches because of hosting the next world cup. But this is a tremendously important month for Luiz Felipe Scolari who is back in charge again. As well as taking on England, Brazil will face France and then contest the Confederations Cup as well. They need to find a system and confidence to get the best out of what is a very talented squad. After losing to England at Wembley, Brazil have drawn three and won one match. The draws came against Russia, Italy and Chile, with a victory over Bolivia. So they look far from their settled and fluent best, but on their return to the new Maracana, they will want to shine and have pace, power and creativity, if they can pull it all together.

In the England v Brazil head to head, there have been 24 previous matches played. England have taken just four wins to eleven by the Brazilians. The last time England were in Rio, that famous John Barnes goal set England on the way to an equally famous 2-0 win over Brazil. Twenty of all the meetings between the two nations have been international friendly matches, all four of England’s triumphs over Brazil have come those friendly games.