Beckham enjoys a joke with David Baddiel.

By Mark Bradley, PA Sport Chief Soccer Writer, Japan

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David Beckham has insisted that England are not worried about facing Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals even though he acknowledges it is the "ultimate international match".

Beckham has plenty of respect for Brazil, especially with the calibre of world-class individuals such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos.

However, he believes England must seize this opportunity, while remembering that they are playing against the current Brazilian team rather than the great sides of the past.

Indeed, Beckham insisted the South Americans can be defeated after witnessing their second-round struggle to overcome Belgium in Kobe.

"Of course they're beatable. We went down there to watch them because they're Brazil but we also went to see what sort of team they are," he declared.

"To be fair, Belgium caused them a few problems, which was good, although we already knew that they're an attacking team."

He added: "I don't think they are worried about playing England but then I don't think we are too worried about playing against them either.

"That's the sort of confidence we must have. If we're worried about playing Brazil, then we're 1-0 down before the game has started. We have to go out there believing that we can beat them.

"A lot of people have been saying this could be our year but you never know until the games are played."

The two countries have not met in the World Cup since 1970, but Beckham still feels it is a special fixture even when compared to facing Argentina.

"Everyone obviously hyped up the Argentina game because of what has happened in previous World Cups," he added.

"But England against Brazil has always been a special fixture and I don't think that will ever change.

"With World Cups coming round every four years, you don't usually get the chance to play them. We want to take advantage of this and hopefully win the game.

"If you beat teams like Brazil as well as Argentina, then you never know what can happen."

Beckham believes that England's greatest strength lies in their defence, which has conceded just one goal in their four games, and contrasts with a far more susceptible Brazilian back-line.

"Obviously we have defended exceptionally well in this tournament. If we can carry on defending well and play balls through, we can break with two quick lads up front," he added.

"We know what great players they have got but if we concentrate on their players too much, it will take over our game.

"It's important that we get our game started before getting too silly about their world-class players. They have got the skill to get out of being pressed but we did see a few things."

Beckham enjoys watching the Brazilians' commitment to attack, although he realises that the outcome in Shizuoka could be decided by one moment of inspiration.

It was that sort of moment which gave Brazil the lead against a Belgium side who had what seemed a perfectly good 'goal' ruled out, when Rivaldo struck on 66 minutes.

"It was a great goal, apart from the deflection obviously, and he's a great player," added the England captain.

"You always admire great players. Everyone enjoys watching Brazil as they have so much flair and they attack all the time.

"Roberto Carlos is more of an attacking player than a defending player. I've played against him a few times in the Champions League and we've had joy against each other on different occasions."

Even though Brazil could be considered slight favourites for the game in Shizuoka despite their struggle to qualify for the World Cup finals, Beckham insists the tournament remains wide open.

"I wouldn't say that any team stands out as a favourite and usually there is one by this point," he maintained.

"Obviously Brazil have won every game so people will be saying they're the favourites.

"But at this World Cup, there have been so many surprises, you can never tell what's going to happen."