Harry Redknapp has insisted that Richarlison would not get into the Three Lions setup if he was English, insisting that the Tottenham man is no better than then Callum Wilson.
Richarlison has been in exceptional form for Brazil over the last 12 months and has proved to be the perfect foil for Neymar to play off.
He is expected to lead the line for the Selecao at the World Cup, with Tite’s men kicking off their campaign with a clash against Serbia on Friday
The Spurs star found the back of the net three times in Brazil’s two matches during the last international break in September and will be hoping to have a similar sort of impact in Qatar.
Brazil go into the tournaments as some people’s favourites, given their form over the last year but Redknapp insisted that England have just as much quality in their squad, if not more.
The former Spurs manager pointed to Ricahrlison as an example of a player that would not make Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.
MORE SPURS STORIES
Redknapp wrote in The Sun: “Everyone goes on about Brazil’s forwards but look at our stars and it’s amazing.
“Spurs’ Richarlison is in Qatar and might even be in Brazil’s team but I honestly don’t think he’d get in the England squad.
“He’s decent enough but I really don’t see him as any better than Callum Wilson, and certainly nowhere near Kane’s class. And there are a couple of others I’d probably have ahead of him as well.
“Because he’s Brazilian, everyone raves about him but I’m telling you our options are just as good.
“I only hope they prove it this time, because once we’re out of the group — and we will be, there’s not the slightest doubt about that — I would fancy England against any team in a one-off match.”
Spurs Web Opinion
One can make the case that England are as good going forward as Brazil, Argentina, France or any other side, going purely by the options Southgate has at his disposal. It’s just whether Southgate can be brave enough and get them to click in the big games.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
