GARETH SOUTHGATE rates Neymar as the only player worth £200million and Brazil the best team on the planet – but has still urged England to take them on without fear.
The Three Lions chief claims England are in for a “much sterner test” tonight than Friday’s 0-0 draw with Germany.
And Paris Saint-Germain’s £198m frontman Neymar is the main reason for that.
Southgate said: “If there was to be one [worth £200m], you’d say it would be him.
“He is clearly one of the best players in the world at this moment in time.”
Neymar netted in Friday’s 3-1 friendly win over Japan after Brazil reached next summer’s World Cup TEN POINTS clear of runners-up Uruguay in the South American qualifying group.
Southgate said: “We are in for a much sterner test I think because this Brazil team are much further 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.
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“So it’s a different challenge for us, as you’d expect we are playing the best team in the world who have annihilated everyone in the South American qualification, which is the hardest way to the finals.”
But Southgate is stressing he is looking for England’s World Cup hopefuls to match his own confident attitude.
He said: “I want players who will be fearless, prepared to have the balls and show what they are capable of on the biggest stage.
“We’d love to have a team full of players who have won the Champions League but we haven’t.
“I can’t control in moments of pressure, how other people respond.
“If you’re a manager and you worry about that it inhibits your decisions.
“We’re striving to be as good as we can be and see how far we can go.”
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, man of the match in the 0-0 draw with Germany, could get another start.
Under-pressure Joe Hart returns in goal while Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford play up front.
Kyle Walker and Ryan Bertrand will be England’s wing-backs.
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