(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The F.A. has confirmed this afternoon that the Three Lions will take on Brazil in a friendly match on Saturday, Nov. 14.
The match has long-been rumored and has finally been officially announced after both nations confirmed their qualification for next year’s World Cup earlier this month.
Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar will host the friendly as the FIFA Confederations Cup Champions take on England for the first time since Wembley’s re-opening in May 2007.
Under the arrangements of that friendly, which finished in a 1-1 draw, England was obliged to play the return match within three years. The November date has been confirmed now that neither team will have to play in the World Cup Playoffs due to take place the same time.
Facing the team ranked No. 1 in the FIFA World Rankings fits perfectly with Fabio Capello’s vision for England friendlies.
The Italian has looked to take on the best opposition available away from home as he tries to prepare his team for the World Cup next year.
Capello’s side has already played France, Germany, Spain, and Holland. Facing the five-time World Champions in Doha will be the toughest test yet.
England plays Ukraine and Belarus in October to round out its World Cup Qualifying. Brazil faces Bolivia and Venezuela.
The November meeting should be both nations’ final fixture of 2009. The match will kick off at 5PM GMT.
The Three Lions are also believed to be close to agreeing to a friendly with Japan for next summer just prior to the World Cup in June. The match looks likely to take place in Austria, where England will prepare for its South African campaign.
Source: www.thefa.com
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