England to meet Brazil in Rio

LONDON

England will face Brazil in a friendly in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, June 2, the Football Association has confirmed

Although it had been well known the match was going to take place this summer, the venue for England's first trip to Brazil since the famous 2-0 win in 1984 has still to be agreed.

England manager Roy Hodgson is hopeful the encounter will be played at the famous Maracana, where John Barnes scored his magical solo goal 29 years ago, but the stadium is still to get the green light as rebuilding work for the 2014 World Cup has fallen 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."