Wednesday, February 6, 2013
7:00 AM

England meet Brazil at Wembley tonight in a prestigious friendly to start the on-field celebrations to mark the Football Association’s 150th anniversary.

Here, we take a look at the key battles that could decide the outcome of the encounter.

ASHLEY COLE v NEYMAR

Chelsea full-back Cole will collect his 100th England cap in the friendly but will not have a quiet night to celebrate the landmark with the precocious talent of Neymar lining up against him. The 20-year-old is regarded as one of the best young players in the world at the moment and has already played well over 100 times for club side Santos.

STEVEN GERRARD v LUCAS MOURA

Moura completed a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain in January after attracting attention for his attacking displays at Sao Paulo. England captain Gerrard may have to sacrifice his own forward movement to keep an eye on the 20-year-old but his strike for Liverpool at Manchester City on Sunday proves he can still score special goals.

DAVID LUIZ v WAYNE ROONEY

Luiz has 17 international caps and will have his defensive capabilities tested by Rooney. The two are regular foes in the Barclays Premier League and, with Manchester United team-mate Danny Welbeck the only other recognised striker in Roy Hodgson’s squad, Rooney will need to be in form if England are to start the FA’s 150th year with a win.