Brazil and Spain are the clear favourites to win the 2013 Confederations Cup, which runs from June 15-30 in six of the cities that will host next year’s World Cup. The Confederations Cup is like a dress rehearsal for the World Cup but on a much smaller scale, with only eight countries involved and ...

Andy Carroll and Alex McCarthy have been named in the England squad for the end-of-season friendly internationals against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil. West Ham’s on-loan striker Carroll has not been involved with England since the World Cup qualifier in Poland last October when an unused sub...

Russia are in terrific form under coach Fabio Capello and are worth backing to beat a Brazil side with whom Luiz Felipe Scolari has not exactly made a great start to his second stint in charge. Capello, it's fair to say, is enjoying his time as coach of Russia rather more than he did when England m...

England are guaranteed to beat San Marino this evening with a 5-0 win for Roy Hodgson's men the most popular result and it could pay to bet on one of those goals being a penalty. Michael Owen announced his retirement this week and I'd like to start this column by offering him my best wishes. An abs...

The five home nations are all in action on Friday with Scotland fancied to beat Wales in the battle of Britain but neither Republic of Ireland nor Northern Ireland are expected to claim victories. Sweden v Republic of Ireland (Friday, 19:45)Ireland have only lost two of their last 21 away internati...

We pick out a 10/1 fivefold accumulator from Friday's World Cup 2014 qualifying fixtures taking place around Europe. The international break is a divisive week for punters. Some complain rigorously because it means that they can't place their usual weekend accumulator bets while others embrace it a...

Brazil were beaten by England in their last friendly and will want to put things right against Italy in Switzerland but Luiz Felipe Scolari's men may not be good enough to beat an improving Azzurri. Brazil's defeat to England was as disappointing as it was unexpected for the Samba Boys, who have ...

England sent a statement to their World Cup qualifying group rivals on a positive night for all of the home nations. England's supposed Wembley curse may be vanquished after they enjoyed a sixth win in eight at their national stadium by overcoming Brazil 2-1. The five-time world champions join Euro...

England can bounce back from the hammering in Sweden when they host Brazil tonight, according to former Three Lions defender Lee Dixon. Roy Hodgson’s men end 2012 with a disappointing 4-2 defeat against the Swedes, and they will be eager to make a positive start to 2013. Dixon believes they will do...