The Longest Day!

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 21/06/2002

ENGLAND play Brazil today on the longest day of the year and will be making their fourth attempt to beat them in World Cup competitions. It will be a tight game with England's defence the key to the nation's success.

With Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho the biggest threat the defence must keep their heads and their shape if they are to keep them out.

On the other hand, England's Michael Owen, Beckham, Sherringham and Fowler will expect to be given more room with Brazil's commitment to attack and this game is probably the best chance that England have ever had against Brazil in the world cup.

Owen	Ronaldo

England's manager Eriksson said today: "We have to be as patient as always, especially when defending. We must try not to go to the ground when tackling. When you have a man on the ground you play with one man less. So we must stay on our feet."

"We have to be very compact and work hard as a unit. If we don't do that, if we give Brazil time and space, they will kill us."

"When you watch Brazil playing you have the feeling that every time they take the ball over the halfway line they will score a goal. But, if we play as we played against Argentina and the other teams, why shouldn't we win?"

We will know the answer to that question soon enough!

On the other front, England fans are being asked once again to shun ITV and watch the game on the BBC. Despite ITV claiming there has been little effect, the viewing figures show that the supporters campaign is hitting hard. Support your club by banning ITV!

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