England face Brazil; France host Germany

The biggest international fixture of the week sees England host Brazil at the Wembley Arena while long-time foes France and Germany are also in action in Paris.

Wednesday 6th February 2013

Ahead of the match, Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari has already his sights set on dethroning Spain as world champions when they host the World Cup in 2014.

The Selecao are the visitors to Wembley on Wednesday against England, and Scolari wants to see a good performance from his players.

"In 2013 we will have 12 or 13 games", he said. "It's important we get settled now.

"We want fans to get fascinated about our big goal, which is to be champions in 2014."

France, meanwhile will use their meeting with rivals Germany as a chance to test their players ahead of the upcoming qualifier against world and European champions Spain.

Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps said: "It's a prestigious game against a very good German side.

"It helps us to prepare with a view to the two qualifiers awaiting us at the end of March against Georgia and Spain.

"It may be a friendly, but it's a chance to build on the good things we've been doing recently."

Spain are another side in action against Uruguay. Defender Carles Puyol, who has not played for his country since last February due to injury, is back in the squad and would make his 100th international appearance if he takes to the field in Doha.

South American rivals Argentina are also in Europe for a clash with Sweden, and home striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is relishing the prospect of facing global superstar Lionel Messi.

"It's really exciting for us and for the fans," said the Paris St Germain player.

"For my own part, it will be great to welcome Messi to Sweden. He's a fantastic player who I respect in every way."

Russia coach Fabio Capello is hoping Wednesday's friendly with Iceland will help give the newcomers in his squad the perfect introduction to international football.

Capello's men have been flawless so far in World Cup qualifying to sit comfortably at the top of Group F after four matches.

Their next qualifier is a trip to Northern Ireland on March 22, but Capello does not necessarily plan to use Wednesday's match - which will be played in Marbella, Spain - as preparation.

"The most important thing from this training camp is that the new players, especially those who are young, get the chance to feel at home within the squad," the Italian told rt.com.

"But also so they get to understand what I want from them, and also what the other players expect of them.

"Iceland is a team that like to keep possession and their playing system is completely different.

"They don't like to play long ball football up to a target man, like Northern Ireland do, so the friendly with Iceland won't really help us in preparation for this game."

Aside from the France-Germany battle, two other European heavyweights will also meet on Wednesday when Holland take on Italy.

Much of the attention will be on Azzurri striker Mario Balotelli after the former Manchester City man rediscovered his form with two goals on his AC Milan debut at the weekend.

Balotelli is likely to be paired up front with club-mate Stephan El Shaarawy, while Oranje boss Louis van Gaal has cut several key figures from his line-up, including Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and Arjen Robben.

Among other friendlies on Wednesday, Greece play Switzerland, Portugal are at home to Ecuador and Czech Republic travel to Turkey.

Croatia play Far East opposition with an afternoon kick-off against South Korea at Fulham's Craven Cottage.

Wednesday's International Friendly Previews

England vs Brazil

Hodgson confirms Cole will earn 100th cap

Scolari still regrets snubbing England

Ronaldinho eyes World Cup success

France vs Germany

Low dismisses jitters claim against top teams

Spain vs Uruguay

Holland vs Italy

Prandelli: Balotelli return will boost Italy

Sweden vs Argentina