Brazilian star Kaka insist England will be pushing for World Cup glory in South Africa.

Kaka is gearing up to lead Brazil against Fabio Capello's men in an international friendly in Qatar on Saturday.

The Real Madrid star is looking forward to facing England, who he holds in a very high regard, and admits Capello had made them "something different.

"It's not to say England weren't a dangerous team before, but there is something different now. They look much sharper collectively, like Mr Capello's sides are known to be," he told The Guardian.

"England have always had individually strong players and I am a huge fan of Stevie Gerrard, who has the heart of a lion and is the icon of the modern footballer with his ability to attack and defend so well.

"But what seems to have changed is the arrival of a better collective awareness.

"The players look much more aware with regards to movements and positioning. The attitude is also stronger.

"They are definitely one of the teams to consider for the trophy in South Africa.

"The World Cup is a competition in which everything needs to work to your advantage. Players need to be fit, decisions have to go in your favour and details such as a red card can cost a team dearly.

"I have no doubts that England can do it. As much as the Doha game will award no points, it can work as a massive confidence boost when you beat an opponent also tipped to prevail next year."

Kaka is happy with how Brazil's preparations have been going.

"We have a new cycle and it took us time to gel," Kaka explains.

"The guys want to leave a much better impression than in Germany in 2006 [when Brazil lost in the quarter-finals to France].

"There are a lot of new guys in the side and the motivation is much different from four years ago.

"People have to understand generations come and go. A whole era ended in 2006 but I don't really think the lads were unaware of what was at stake in Germany. But I agree that a lot of players in the current squad have more reason to be hungry for World Cup success."