Eriksson's men have an unlikely admirer

By Ken Gaunt, PA Sport

England have been tipped to come up trumps on Friday by an unlikely source - Brazil legend Jairzinho.

The man who scored the winner in the 1970 meeting between the nations believes Sven-Goran Eriksson's team can progress if they remain mentally tough.

"We may well see England win. It will be a dramatic match," he told BBC TV.

"It will require a lot of emotional and psychological preparation. If England can keep their cool and their discipline they will win the game."

Jairzinho scored in every game in the finals 32 years ago in Mexico as Brazil lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy for a third time.

He remembers the group game with England - and the goal - as if it was yesterday.

"It was like the final," he said.

"It was the meeting of two of the best sides in the competition.

"I remember Pele was marked by three men. I called out for him to give me the ball.

"(Terry) Cooper, who was marking Pele, charged towards me and Gordon Banks dived towards his left.

"I thought it (the shot) has to be right in the middle. When I hit it, I knew. I just said 'goodbye, my job is done'."