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Jagielka treating Brazil like Spain

ESPN staff
February 4, 2013
Phil Jagielka could be asked to shut down Brazil's Neymar © PA Photos
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Phil Jagielka is hoping that England can draw on their performance against Spain when they welcome Brazil to Wembley on Wednesday.

Jagielka, 30, played a part in the Three Lions' victory over the world and European champions in November 2011 - a result that helped instil belief among the England players as they prepared for their Euro 2012 campaign.

And with the five-time World Cup winners now on their way to London, the Everton defender is looking for a similar performance to help boost the country's 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign. "This is a high stakes game," he said.

"That Spain game wasn't make or break but because we won and kept a clean sheet it turned into a massive positive. It is a similar situation now. Whether I get to play, or someone else, it is about gaining experience from a great test."

If Jagielka is given a starting berth by manager Roy Hodgson it is likely he will come up against one of world football's most exciting talents in Neymar. And while the England international admits he has not seen too much of the Santos striker, he is sure he will face a tough challenge in keeping him quiet if called upon.

"I don't know a lot about Neymar," he said. "We don't see a lot of footage. He plays in Brazil so it is tough for us. But we have video analysis people when we meet up with England and they will have plenty of footage for us to review. They will pick out his good points and bad ones. I am sure the good points will be going on for hours."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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