PREVIEW: England look to prove depth against Brazil

By Ben James Nov 12, 2009, 8:40 GMT

London - Sir Alex Ferguson is not the only one wondering what the point is of England's friendly against Brazil in Doha this Saturday.

The Manchester United manager has been trenchant in his criticism of the Football Association for arranging a friendly so far away in the middle of the season, and he is far from alone among his Premier League colleagues.

It would not take a cynic to relate the venue to England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup, but the bigger issue for Fabio Capello is probably the number of withdrawals.

The absence of Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole, both just recovering from injuries, and Stewart Downing with his long-term knee problem, denies Capello what would presumably be his first three options on the left side.

The left-back Ashley Cole is also out, while a string of absentees have left Wes Brown as the only right-back in the squad.

There will be no Rio Ferdinand, who has a back injury, and the loss of both Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole means Capello cannot play either his first- or second-choice front man.

This will, inevitably, be a patched-up side, and while it may give Capello a look at the further reaches of his squad, the danger is that England end up being embarrassed by a Brazil team who won the Confederations Cup in June.

The beneficiary is likely to be Aston Villa's James Milner, who is versatile and diligent, seems happily free from injuries, and is rapidly becoming a Capello favourite.

'There are going to be injuries and suspensions in tournament football,' he said.

'It's about learning as you go. You can say you're not going to enjoy being moved into a new position or you can try and enjoy it.

'It should make you a better and more rounded player.'

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the build-up to the game for England, though, has been the clear respect Brazil feel for them.

'They have cruised through the European qualifiers in a group that was not easy at all,' Kaka told the Guardian.

'I don't think anybody expected them to go through so strongly, especially with the two emphatic defeats of Croatia.

'It's not to say England weren't a dangerous team before, but there is something different now. They look much sharper collectively, like Mr Capello's sides are known to be.

'What seems to have changed is the arrival of a better collective awareness.

'The players look much more aware with regards to movements and positioning. The attitude is also stronger.

'They are definitely one of the teams to consider for the trophy in South Africa.'

And the Real Madrid playmaker can see a purpose to Saturday's match.

'As much as the Doha game will award no points,' he said, 'it can work as a massive confidence boost when you beat an opponent also tipped to prevail next year.'