Roberto Carlos says Liverpool star is one of only two England players who would get into Brazil's team

Roberto Carlos claims only two England players would get into Brazil's starting line-up.

Carlos knows a thing or two about winning the World Cup, having been part of the Brazil side that won the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea.

It remains the last time five-time champions Brazil were crowned World Cup winners.

But there are high hopes in Brazil that their current national side will win a sixth world title in Qatar this winter.

The South American side are the bookies' favourites to win the tournament, ahead of Argentina, defending champions France, Spain and England.

Carlos claims only two England players would make it into Brazil's starting line-up; Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

"Alexander-Arnold has to be there – because he's among the best ones," Carlos told Daily Telegraph.

"Kane is a good player too.

"You have a good team, not just in terms of names but in terms of players who have trained well and are ready to play at a World Cup – or to play for the Brazilian national team.

"I'd say those two [Kane and Alexander-Arnold], but there are more.

"There's a lot of quality in the England team. You have a lot of quality."

The inclusion of Kane is not much of a surprise, given the striker's importance to England, but Carlos' decision to name Alexander-Arnold could raise a few eyebrows.

The Liverpool defender has struggled for consistency this season and had faced a battle to be included in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad before an injury to Chelsea right-back Reece James assured him of his spot.

'Now it's time to win the trophy'

Carlos is clearly confident of Brazil's chances of success this winter under head coach Tite.

"The Brazil national team, both men's and women's, has always maintained a joyful atmosphere," he added.

"They should understand that’s the only way to keep people happy, enjoying a great World Cup, having fun and bringing great joy to this country; Brazil, a football country.

"We haven't won it for a long time, now it's time to win the trophy. It's a very special moment for football."

Topics: Brazil, England, Football, Football World Cup, Roberto Carlos, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool, Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotspur

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan