Ferguson backs England to ruin his Brazil bet

ALEX FERGUSON believes England will beat Brazil in Shizuoka and then go on to win the World Cup.

The winners of tomorrow’s quarter-final have a great opportunity to lift the trophy with Senegal or Turkey awaiting in the next round and Ferguson believes England will prevail.

The Manchester United manager admitted to having backed the South Americans but is prepared to lose his investment.

“My cash is on Brazil to win the tournament but now I honestly believe that England will beat them. This England team will get better and better. The team spirit seems to be first class.

“The most important thing behind England’s chances of winning is the behaviour of the fans. When the fans behave themselves properly, it takes enormous pressure off the players. I really believe England have a chance of winning the World Cup.”

Ferguson has enjoyed the contributions of Manchester United’s midfield trio of Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Paul Scholes, and selected Butt for special praise.

“Obviously I am delighted my players are playing to the very best of their abilities. I am so proud of them.

“Nicky Butt has been England’s star man and I’m very pleased for the lad. He is a player who needs that high profile, having been an unsung hero for so many years.”

Ferguson also praised the performances of Rio Ferdinand, but refused to be drawn on reports of a stg£35 million bid for the Leeds defender.

Meanwhile, Nicky Butt admitted to being surprised at his new-found stardom.

He said: “All this praise I’ve been getting is unusual, but you're raving about all the team not just me. Anyway, we don’t really see any of it out here. One game isn't going to make anyone,” Butt continued.

Anyone can play well in one game like I did against Argentina and not play like it again.

“Roy Keane has been a world-class player for a long time and played that way at the top level. That’s why he’s the dominant force he is. I can’t say I’ve played one good game so therefore I’m the best player in that position in England. That would just be stupid.

“I’ve played this well for United but I haven’t played consistently. Being in a good team helps. And confidence is a big part of it.

“When you’re doing well your confidence is high and you try things you probably wouldn’t if you were down,” he said.