Source: Daily_Mail
England are a serious threat to Brazil's World Cup hopes, says Liverpool midfielder Lucas
Ready for action: Liverpool's Lucas[LNB] Liverpool's Lucas Leiva is ready to face some familiar foes on Saturday by lining up for Brazil against England in Doha. [LNB] [LNB]The midfielder knows that England will field a weakened side becauseof injuries but says Brazil will still treat them with respect - andwill view Fabio Capello's team as a major rival to the South Americanside for World Cup glory next summer.[LNB]Lucas said: 'I think England are a top-level side. We have a lot ofrespect for them. We know all the players very well. They are playingfor the big teams in maybe the best league in the world. It will be agood game for both sides to see the level they are at because we are soclose to the World Cup now. [LNB]'Is this England's best chance of winning the World Cup? I think so.Of course, England have always had a good squad but I think the lastresults have really shown the quality. Now they play as a team. [LNB]'They have great players like Frank Lampard and my Liverpoolteammate Steven Gerrard who are always dangerous. We hope we can beatEngland but know it will be a really hard game. They have been veryimpressive in qualifying for the World Cup.' [LNB] [LNB] Speaking about Liverpool's poor recent form, he argued that performances are still impressive - and Rafa Benitez's men will start picking up the results to match once their injured players returned. [LNB] [LNB]'I think Liverpool are playing well,' claimed Lucas. 'Maybe we need something more but I hope we turn the bad situation around. [LNB]'Even against Lyon, then (Manchester United) and Birmingham, I think we played well. We conceded some goals, maybe our mistakes, but we have to keep working and hopefully the international break will have come at a good time.'[LNB] Chelsea, United, Liverpool and City prepare to pounce for Aaron Hunt as Werder Bremen fear contract talks will founderAurelio adds to Liverpool woes as Benayoun and Riera are sidelined [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Rafa Benitez, Fabio Capello, Frank Lampard, Steven GerrardPlaces:Birmingham, United Kingdom, Brazil
