England to play Brazil twice next year

England will face both Brazil and the Republic of Ireland in friendlies next year in honour of the the FA’s 150th anniversary.

The five-times World Cup winners will face England at Wembley on February 6, with a match in Rio de Janeiro also slated for early June. Roy Hodgson’s men expected to face a second South American team in a mini-tour.

Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland will play their first game at Wembley on May 29.

Due to the fixtures, England will not play any World Cup qualifiers at the end of the current season. The squad will return to the country from South America before June 11, when other nations will still be involved in the qualifying process.

Adrian Bevington, managing director of Club England told the FA’s website: “We’re delighted Brazil will kick-off the FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations at Wembley.

“2013 is a landmark year for the FA and an exciting England fixture programme, in addition to Wembley hosting the UEFA Champions League final, will form a key part of the celebrations.”