Leandro Damiao: 'England will not be a threat at 2014 World Cup'

Brazil striker Leandro Damiao has claimed that England will not be a threat at next year's World Cup finals.

England, who take on Brazil in a friendly on Sunday, are usually among the bookmaker's favourites at major tournaments.

Damiao, though, insists that Brazil have no reason to fear them at their home World Cup.

"I don't see any reason for us to fear England at the World Cup," he said. "Brazil always expect to win the World Cup, and even more when it's being staged in our own country.

"When you look at the nations who are a threat to us doing that, we don't see England as one of them.

"Spain have dominated lately and Germany are also clearly a powerful team. They are the teams who I think will be our major competition. I do not rate England anywhere near that level."

England face Brazil at the famous Maracana Stadium on Sunday evening at 8pm.