Dunga in pitch fear

England did not train on Thursday at the famous venue - which has been redeveloped at a cost of around £850million and finally opened at the end of March - in order to protect the turf which has recently hosted half-a-dozen matches including the FA Cup and play-off finals.

When the South Americans took to the field in the evening, the surface immediately began to cut up; Dunga feels something similar could occur on Friday night.

"It is an historic situation, of course, but playing against England is always historic, no matter where it is," said the 1994 World Cup-winning captain.

"We had expected a better pitch. There will be difficulties with it. The grass comes off too easily. Considering it is a new stadium, it will be difficult."

Dunga, 42, was appointed last July with a brief to rebuild the Brazil national side following their disappointing showing at the World Cup in Germany.

The new head coach elected to include both Kaka and Ronaldinho in his 22-man squad for their mini-tour - which also takes in a match against Turkey in Dortmund next week - even though they had asked not to be considered for the Copa America later this summer.

Uncapped Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves - top scorer in the Dutch league - and CSKA Moscow's striker Jo are also on this European trip. However, Ronaldo was left out again despite his revival with Milan in Serie A.

Dunga was not surprised to see former England skipper David Beckham back in favour with opposing head coach Steve McClaren.

"He is a great player who is doing well in Madrid. It is only normal that the coach will bring him back in," said the Brazilian. "A national team is composed of the best players available and in form at the same time.

"In Brazil it is the same: everybody has to fight for their place in the team."

The Brazil coach expects to be tested by England at their spiritual home.

"They are a very good team," said Dunga. "Sometimes just because it is England everybody expects them to win everything which does not happen - but little by little they will get there."

SPORTING LIFE