Thursday June 20th, 2002

Briton Jenson Button has backed England to overcome Brazil in their World Cup quarter-final clash in Japan - but Formula One rival Rubens Barrichello insisted the class of the South Americans will show in the keenly-awaited duel.

Renault driver Button, who will go head-to-head with Brazilian Barrichello in Friday's practice session for the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring 45 minutes after the expected conclusion of the clash, is predicting a 2-1 victory for Sven-Goran Eriksson's side.

"Obviously I think England will win," said Button. "I hope to be watching the game in the Renault team motorhome with all of the guys. I'm looking forward to it and it should be a good game.

"I'm not normally into football but the World Cup - I'm really into it and it's exciting. It's fantastic and I think England can nudge it with a 2-1 victory."

For Barrichello, the clash is not likely to be the highlight of his day. The Ferrari driver has admitted that his priorities lie on track in the practice session, but he does believe that England do not have the talent to dispose of his compatriots.

"It is a day of work for me," Barrichello said. "We are here to work and not to play or watch football. But I hope Brazil win. The Brazil team has some fantastic players and I think that they should do well against England. I think it is hard to say a scoreline, but I am backing Brazil to win."

Published at 17:02:47 GMT

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