Scholes can unlock Brazil

Terry Butcher Ex-England captain and BBC Radio Five Live summariser

When England and Brazil meet in the World Cup, it is a game full of history and drama.

And I expect more of the same when they meet again in Shizuoka.

I think there will be goals in normal time - but I have a feeling it may even take penalties to settle it.

Have your say: Can England beat Brazil?

But as a passionate Englishman, and someone who was proud to play for his country, I am really up for this match and optimistic about England's chances.

England can have a confidence that comes from demolishing Denmark, and even more from the knowledge that they beat Argentina.

Argentina were regarded as the big South American threat before the tournament started, and dominated Brazil in the build-up to the tournament back home.

Brazil edge past brave Belgium

I watched Brazil beat Belgium in Kobe, and while I saw a team packed with fantastic talent, I also saw a team that will give you chances.

If Belgium can expose them, and they did, then England certainly can.

If England can play to their maximum - which they will need to - and give Brazil the sort of problems Belgium gave them, they have better players who will finish the job off.

Michael Owen will be a key player for England if he is fit, because his morale will be very high after his goal against Denmark.

Scholes: A key man for England

And I have to mention Paul Scholes again as a vital element in England's team.

He is due a goal for England and he has been known to pick his moments in the past, so it would be great if he ended his run against Brazil.

Scholes is a great player. He is very underrated, but I believe he can make a vital contribution to England's cause.

England's wide men, David Beckham and Trevor Sinclair, will also be important in ensuring Brazil's attacking full-backs Cafu and Roberto Carlos are pushed back.

There is great hope for England, although I am not one of those who simply assume that whoever wins this game will win the World Cup.

Brazil may have their problems at the back, but only a fool would turn a blind eye to the world-class quality they have.

I watched Ronaldo through a defender's eyes against Belgium and he was fantastic.

He was virtually back to his best, which says a lot for the boy's character after all his injury problems.

Ronaldo back in the groove

Ronaldo's movement was exceptional. He has come back very hungry, so strong physically and making short and long runs that are difficult to cope with.

He is good in the air, tough on the ball and is scoring goals - he is looking the complete player again.

England's defenders will have to be very focused and concentrate totally, but we have been good at the back so far.

Rivaldo is still a very interesting player, with a devastating left foot, and Juninho will have something to prove after leaving Middlesbrough without fulfilling his potential.

England give Brazil the blues

Brazil's team shape is totally geared towards attacking, but they are not clever at the back.

I am well aware of Brazil's threat, but there is no reason at all for England to enter the match with anything other than great optimism.