England vs Brazil Preview: 5 Key Battles That Will Decide The Game

4. Ashley Cole vs Lucas Moura

Ashley Cole has been guaranteed a starting place tonight by Roy Hodgson, and will be making his 100th appearance for England, becoming only the 7th England international alongside Steven Gerrard to earn a century of caps. What a game to herald such a milestone, as well, against one of the greatest footballing outfits on the planet. The Chelsea left-back will have to be in fine form tonight though, especially with one-time Manchester United target Lucas Moura and Oscar screaming down the flanks. It is Moura though who Cole will likely have to contend with tonight, and whilst the 20-year old hasn't been used all that much by Carlo Ancelotti at Paris Saint-Germain following his move from São Paulo, the then-19-year old demonstrated what he is capable of last season by scoring 16 goals, one of the reasons why Sir Alex Ferguson wanted him at Old Trafford last summer. Considering there is over a decade between these two internationals, this could well be a difficult battle for the elder Cole. He will have to put all his experience to good use tonight if he is to keep Moura at bay.
Contributor
Contributor

Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.