BRAZIL versus England - it's got a lovely ring about it hasn't it. There is no bigger game for any country to play in the World Cup than to take on the men in yellow.

Of course England players have had classic battles with both Germany and Argentina in the past, not least the historic 1-0 win against Batistuta and co earlier this month.

But for sheer glamour and gut-wrenching anticipation, it does not come any bigger than this.

Any football fan loves to watch Brazil play, the mere mention of their name conjures up evocative images of Pele, Garrincha, Jairzinho, Rivelino, Zico, Socrates and Bebeto.

And the current crop has two players whose names are destined to be included in any such list of Brazilian greats from here on - Rivaldo and Ronaldo.

It is fair to say that if Luis Felize Scolari's men were playing anyone else, the vast majority of English people would be supporting them.

There is something magical, almost mystical about them. Four times they have been crowned world champions, twice runners-up, almost every time a serious threat and they play the beautiful game the right way.

It is no wonder the England players are licking their lips in anticipation. Okay, a game against Belgium would have looked easier on paper but could not compare for stature and prestige. This really is the big one and anyone who wins the World Cup wants to claim Brazil's scalp along the way.

And the best thing about it is that is a game that Sven's men can go into knowing they can win it. Of course they might not but there is absolutely no doubt that they can.

Scolari's men have played some great stuff this campaign and the match against Costa Rica was an all time classic.

But while they have been scoring for fun, with both Ronaldo and Rivaldo netting in every game so far, they have looked vulnerable at the back.

Costa Rica scored twice and should have netted several more. Turkey gave them a very tough game and were unlucky to have a controversial penalty given against them. Even China had chances to score although they could also have conceded many more.

Then there was the second round clash against Belgium on Monday afternoon. The Red Devils, by no means the best side to leave Brussels for a World Cup, had a perfectly good goal disallowed, missed several other good chances but still ended up on their way home.

The problem for Belgium, and possibly for England, was that for once the almost accepted weak link in the Brazil side actually looks strong. Keeper Marcos was in superb form, as he has been throughout the tournament.

And the usual airy, fairy flapping that goes on from the man in Brazil's gone has been absent.

So why is everyone saying that they are flawed at the back. It's simple, they are playing with two of the most exciting wingers in the world in defence.

There are few better sights in football than Roberto Carlos and Cafu flying down the flanks, taking people on, playing one-twos, unleashing fierce shots. Incredibly Cafu was caught offside three times in ten minutes in their last game.

But all the time they are doing that there is no one at the back, minding the shop. If there is one way that England can make the best out of facing this fearsome attacking force it is by using the counter-attack.

England's players were rightly criticised for their performance against Sweden, hitting long balls that were picked up with ease by the disciplined defence.

Brazil however is a completely different animal. If David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt can pick the ball up and catch Brazil's wing backs too far forward, then long balls in behind them for Michael Owen and Emile Heskey can bring much joy.

That is why it is imperative that Owen is fit. His pace has already scared the life out of one talented South American side, here's hoping he can do it again. The likes of Lucio, Roque Junior and Edmilson will not relish the task of chasing him.

There is every reason to believe that England will score against Brazil but the fear is that they have the mentality: "You score two, we'll net three."

There is every possibility they will but the defence they will face on Friday has arguably been the best in the World Cup so far.

With the pony-tailed one looking solid in goal, the back four has been magnificent in keeping three successive clean sheets with Niklas Alexandersson's shot for Sweden the only goal against.

Rio Ferdinand has been absolutely magnificent alongside Sol Campbell at the back and taking on Ronaldo and Rivaldo will allow them the opportunity to show they are right up there with the world's best.

Danny Mills and Ashley Cole will have to deal with Cafu and Roberto Carlos but both men are growing in stature with every game.

Over-confidence is not something I am prone to when it comes to watching England but I really fancy them to win on Friday. My biggest fear is not so much the opposition as the weather conditions that are sure to be hot and humid.

But if they can handle the heat, I think the time is right to beat Brazil. From then, who knows what might happen?