19 March 2024 , 18:00
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Andreas Pereira has teased England by claiming the only “gap” with Brazil is the length of time since the Three Lions last lifted a major trophy.
The Selecao arrive at Wembley this weekend ranked No.5 in the world after going out in the quarter-finals in Qatar - and losing their last three World Cup qualifiers to sit sixth in the South American group.
New head coach Dorival Junior, who was appointed in January, will embark on a “new beginning" with a young squad missing a host of star names. By contrast, Gareth Southgate ’s England are ranked No.3 and among the favourites to win Euro 2024 this summer - and a first title since 1966.
But asked about how to “close the gap” with the hosts, Fulham midfielder Pereira could not resist referring to Brazil winning five World Cups and the Copa America in 2019 as well the last two Olympic gold medals. The former Manchester United star said: “About Brazil and England, we don’t necessarily feel that there is a big, big gap.
“The last time Brazil won a tournament was fewer years ago than when England won a tournament. We could say there is a gap. But Brazil will always have big, big players and a big team. England as well. I think they have a lot of players that I think the Brazilian fans like. It is more the flair players - players like Rashford and Saka.
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“We respect them and we know it is going to be a tough game but we are ready and we know what we are capable of. We want to win the game. We are Brazil. We always want to win everything.”
In a turbulent last 15 months, head coach Tite was sacked after the penalties defeat to Croatia and replaced by Under-20 coach Ramon Menezes. Then Fernando Diniz took over on an interim basis as Brazil tried to lure Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid.
Pereira's form for Fulham has earned him a recall to the Brazil national team (Getty Images)Dorival Junior, 61, was then appointed when talks with the Italian fell through with the mission of building a new side for this year’s Copa America and the 2026 World Cup. Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Casemiro, Alisson Becker, Ederson and Marquinhos are all out injured while Pereira, who played for Dorival at Flamengo, has been recalled for the first time since 2018.
“I think it is very exciting to be here,” he said. “It is a big honour to be part of this Brazilian national team, especially in this new beginning. For me to come back after six years to the national team is massive. It is a dream come true. It is a special game for me for sure and my family.”
Pereira got confirmation of his great current form on Sunday when he bumped into Gary Lineker and his family in an Italian restaurant on the Fulham Road. “When I saw him, I went to his table to say hello to him because I know he is a big legend in football,” said the Brazilian.
“He just told me to keep going, that I was having a good season and I was a good footballer. That is a big compliment coming from such a big player like that.”
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