Three-time World Cup winner Pele has claimed that England have just as much chance of lifting the trophy this summer as tournament hosts Brazil.
The Selecao are considered to be favourites for the competition, while England face a difficult task in getting out of a group which includes Italy and Uruguay.
Brazilian legend Pele feels that it is an even playing field despite his country being on home soil, but has nominated his ideal opponent to be Uruguay. If Luis Felipe Scolari's side do reach the final, the current crop can exact revenge for a 2-1 defeat in the 1950 World Cup climax at the Maracana.
"I prefer Brazil face Uruguay, then you have the revenge," Pele told reporters.
Asked about England, he replied: "England - like Brazil, Italy, France - have a reputation. We must be prepared for them. We have to respect England because they have the same chance as what we have."
Pele won the World Cup as a 17-year-old in 1958, and then again in 1962 and 1970.
Joe Fish
