Rating the Brazil Players Against England

Brazil escaped from Sunday's clash with England at the Maracana with a 2-2 draw thanks to a late Paulinho goal, but they should really have won a game which they had dominated for the first hour.

Once more there were more questions raised than answers given for Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, but there were some positives to take into the Confederations Cup.

While everything is far from perfect, there are a number of players who laid down strong claims for their shirts ahead of the competition.

Let's, then, attempt to rate the performances of the Brazil side in the clash with England.

Julio Cesar: 7.5

The Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper made a couple of smart saves late in the first half to keep the scores level, but he was unable to do anything about Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's well-struck volley or Wayne Rooney's curled strike.

It was another good showing from the man who will head into the World Cup as Brazil's No. 1, with a sharp save from Theo Walcott a particular highlight.

Dani Alves: 6

It was a quiet night for the Barcelona full-back who was monitored by James Milner throughout. He looked to push forward when possible but often found his ability to contribute greatly limited.

With no real competition in the squad, his place in the starting lineup at the Confederations Cup is assured.

Thiago Silva: 7

A typically composed performance from the Paris Saint-Germain defender, who put in a few well-timed tackles during the game.

For long periods of the first half, he had little to do but stepped in well when required. He will have tougher nights in the weeks to come.

David Luiz: 6

It was a generally decent performance from the Chelsea centre-back, but he had a couple of notable errors in the second half.

A missed opportunity to clear from an Ashley Cole cross almost presented Jack Rodwell with a late chance, while he could have closed down Wayne Rooney more quickly for the England striker's goal.

Filipe Luis: 7

The Atletico Madrid full-back had a good showing, pushing forward throughout his 45 minutes on the pitch and continually offering an outlet on the left flank.

Defensively, he stood up well to all tests offered by England winger Theo Walcott, although he was aided by the Arsenal man's abject showing on the night.

Luiz Gustavo: 6.5

Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Luiz Gustavo did everything required of him during his time on the pitch, leaving with the score at 0-0 to make room for the incoming Hernanes.

He will never be particularly eye-catching, but he was effective at breaking up England attacks early on and was tidy when in possession. Felipão must still look for better midfield balance, but Luiz Gustavo will not let him down.

Paulinho: 7

Box-to-box midfielder Paulinho had a quiet game until his acrobatic goal late on earned his side a 2-2 draw, but he stuck to his task in midfield much like his colleague.

With England sitting deep in the first half, space to make his trademark surges forward was limited. However, once the game opened up in the second half, and he was freed of holding role duties, the real Paulinho came to the fore.

Oscar: 7.5

Chelsea attacking midfielder Oscar was in excellent form for Brazil once again on Sunday night as he put in a lively performance on the right side of Felipão's 4-4-2 system.

Both Leighton Baines and his eventual replacement Ashley Cole had difficulties dealing with Oscar's movement and fleet of foot. Had a well-struck shot been slightly further away from Joe Hart, he could well have got himself on the scoresheet.

Hulk: 5

It must be difficult playing in a stadium as atmospheric as the Maracana when the crowd get on your back, and that is the exact situation Hulk found himself dealing with on Sunday night.

A few poor decisions in good areas early on brought criticism, while an effort on goal was well saved by Joe Hart (as shown in the picture). Hulk has too often flattered to deceive in a Brazil shirt, and he once more provoked ire with a flat performance.

Neymar: 6.5

It was a game of two halves for Neymar, who started brightly but faded after the break. He was not helped by his team's disappointing performance having gone ahead.

When given freedom behind the striker in the first half, he was heavily involved, linking well with other forwards and curling a shot narrowly wide of the far post. As Felipão rang the tactical changes, though, Neymar's influence on the game lessened.

Fred: 6.5

Fluminense striker Fred managed to prove his fitness for the game at the Maracana despite having recently cracked a rib, yet he was largely ineffective.

He did, though, manage to once more get on the scoresheet for his country for the fifth consecutive match. The problem for Felipão and his side is that, bar his goals, Fred can be virtually anonymous for the entire match.