THE last time England played Brazil, in the World Cup in Mexico in 1970, Rovers and Clarets legend Keith Newton was in the squad.

Having played in the previous game against Romania he was replaced by Tommy Wright before coming back for the next two games.

His room mate for several years at Burnley was striker Peter Noble and he recalled: "Keith was one of the most modest men you could meet and he was not one to talk about playing for England in the World Cup.

"But he did talk about being there when England played Brazil in 1970, when there was no doubt that they were the best team in the world.

"Let's face it, you don't win three out of four World Cups without being a bit useful.

"What he also said was that he had never played in any conditions to compare with what they had out in Mexico, where the England boys had to cope with the heat and the humidity.

"That is what England will have to cope with tomorrow and I hope that they can do it.

"Keith always said it was a privilege just to see that great team close-up and in all honesty I think the players will be happier to be playing against Brazil than against Belgium.

"In a World Cup you want to test yourself against the best and they have the chance to do that."

Newton died in 1998 but he will always be fondly remembered by fans at both Ewood Park, where he started his career, and Turf Moor where he finished it.

His big pal Noble is just hoping that the current crop of England players can go that bit further, beat Brazil and eventually lift the World Cup.