Despite fears that the game might be cancelled, Brazil and England will play at the Maracana as planned on Sunday. A court order issued on Thursday declared that the stadium was unsafe, putting the game in jeopardy, but the decision was quickly overturned. As expected, the game will go forward, in the Maracana and on time. This game marks the re-opening of the stadium, one week after the new national stadium in Brazil was opened.
Brazil vs. England: Preview and TV schedule
A hobbled England squad will help Brazil open the new Maracana.
Buda Mendes
The England squad has been diminished by numerous injuries ahead of this friendly. Only 18 players remain from their original squad; if this was a competitive match, England would be unable to field a full 18-man squad without using three goalkeepers. Danny Welbeck is the latest casualty, joining fellow forward Daniel Sturridge on the sidelines. England is left with just with just two forwards, Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe.
Brazil have a full squad available, despite a bit of a dispute with Bayern Munich. Luiz Gustavo and Dante both missed Saturday's DFB-Pokal final after being released early by the Bavarians and will be available to Luis Felipe Scolari on Sunday afternoon.
Match date/time: Sunday 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Maracana, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
TV: beIN Sport (U.S.), ITV (U.K.)
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