"England are different to Brazil, very much different, but I think we can beat them," the Swede was quoted as saying by BBC Sport before the team left to Germany on Monday.

Eriksson hailed Brazil's multitude of talents but said that the recipe for beating the Samba boys is not that hard to figure.

"They are, among football experts, the favorites because they have a huge amount of talent, especially in midfield and up front.

"You have to defend well against them if you are going to beat them, but we have a great chance," he said.

Brazil had had eliminated England from the World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win four years ago, which left a bitter taste in Eriksson's mouth.

"I have a lot of respect for Brazil, Argentina and other countries but I think the opponents have a lot of respect for England," he said.

Eriksson, who will step down from his post after the finals, expressed confidence in his squad and coaching staff.

"Everything is more or less perfect. The spirit in the squad is fantastic, better than ever. The belief we can do very well is great.

"Fitness-wise we are much better, football-wise we are much better. I think we are ready for the World Cup," aid Eriksson.

England kick-off their World Cup campaign on June 10th against Paraguay in Group B that also includes Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden.