Soccer
England confirm Brazil friendly
2013-01-16 07:31
London - England will play 2014 Soccer World Cup hosts Brazil in a friendly match in Rio de Janeiro on June 2, the Football Association confirmed on Tuesday.
The venue for the match has yet to be agreed, as England prepare for their first trip to Brazil since a 2-0 friendly win there in 1984.
England manager Roy Hodgson says he hopes the match will take place at Rio's fabled Maracana, although the stadium cannot currently host matches after renovation work for the World Cup fell behind schedule.
"Having visited Brazil last year, I know from experience what an incredible place it is," said Hodgson.
"It is important that England get this opportunity to go and play there and sample the atmosphere.
"It's almost 30 years since England last played in Brazil, so it will be a proud moment to take the team back there again."