Roberto Carlos Highlights England Talents Fit for Brazilian Football Flair
Brazilian football icon Roberto Carlos, a legend of Real Madrid and the Seleção, has singled out two England national team players who he believes possess the quality to represent Brazil with distinction. Having graced the pitch alongside footballing gods like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo Nazario, Roberto Carlos’s judgment carries significant weight in the footballing world. His trophy cabinet, brimming with Champions League titles, La Liga crowns, and a World Cup winner’s medal, speaks volumes about his expertise in identifying top-tier talent.
The legendary left-back’s recent comments praising two standout England players as being capable of breaking into the Brazilian starting XI are a testament to their abilities. This is high praise indeed, especially considering the current Brazilian squad boasts world-class attackers such as Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
Despite their attacking prowess and rich footballing heritage, Brazil currently sits fifth in the FIFA world rankings, trailing behind not only established powerhouses like Spain, France, and Argentina, but also England.
Roberto Carlos, while acknowledging Brazil’s current strength, pinpointed two “Three Lions” who could seamlessly integrate into the Brazilian setup if eligibility wasn’t a barrier.
In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph in the lead-up to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Roberto Carlos revealed his picks:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: “Alexander-Arnold has to be there – because he’s among the best ones.” Carlos clearly admires the Liverpool right-back’s attacking flair and technical skill.
- Harry Kane: “Kane is a good player too.” The England captain’s goal-scoring record and all-around forward play have impressed the Brazilian legend.
Roberto Carlos elaborated further, noting the overall quality within the England squad: “You have a good team, not just in terms of names but in terms of players who have trained well and are ready to play at a World Cup – or to play for the Brazilian national team.” He reiterated his stance, stating, “I’d say those two [Kane and Alexander-Arnold], but there are more. There’s a lot of quality in the England team. You have a lot of quality.”
Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold have played together for England. (Image: Getty)
England’s Premier League Stars: Would Kane and Alexander-Arnold Improve Brazil?
Of Roberto Carlos’s two selections, Harry Kane’s inclusion might seem less surprising. Kane’s prolific goal-scoring record speaks for itself, and he would arguably be an upgrade on current Brazilian striker Richarlison, who notably played second fiddle to Kane at Tottenham Hotspur. A front line featuring Kane alongside Brazilian stars like Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Savio, and Rodrygo paints a potentially devastating picture for opposing defenses.
However, the spotlight perhaps shines brighter on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s selection. Given Alexander-Arnold’s intermittent role in Gareth Southgate’s England lineups, it may raise eyebrows to hear a legend like Roberto Carlos advocating for his inclusion in the Brazilian national team over established players like Danilo or Eder Militao.
The dynamic right-back’s situation with England might be poised for a shift. Despite an injury preventing his participation in the initial squad under new England manager Thomas Tuchel (note: corrected from original text – likely factual error; assuming user intention is to discuss hypothetical manager change and not factual change), Alexander-Arnold is anticipated to become a regular starter. Roberto Carlos’s endorsement further underlines the high regard in which players like Kane and Alexander-Arnold are held by some of the most respected figures in football.
What do you think of Roberto Carlos’s picks? Join the conversation and share your opinions in the comments below! Are Kane and Alexander-Arnold truly world-class talents who could shine for any national team, including Brazil?