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

1. Joe Hart vs Neymar

Neymar Joe Hart is England's best goalkeeper by some distance at present and was integral in Manchester City's title-winning campaign last season, but he hasn't faced a striker as prodigious as Neymar in the Premier League recently. The 21-year old Brazilian is in frighteningly good form at present and looks almost certain to be worthy of being spoken of in the same breath alongside Brazilian legend Pele by the time his career is over. The Santos hitman scored 43 goals in 47 appearances last year and if it wasn't for the goal-scoring exploits of Lionel Messi last term, he might have received more critical acclaim by now. Considering his age, last year's goal haul is even more mind-boggling. Neymar will be at the centre of all Brazil's attacking intent tonight and England's defence faces an enormous challenge in stopping him. Joe Hart will have to be on the tip of his toes at all times and prepared for whatever it is the Brazilian has to throw at him, and this one may just be one of Joe Hart's toughest challenges of his career so far.
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.