England football team head to Copacabana Beach after arriving in Brazil

England's weary players headed straight for Copacabana Beach after touching down in Rio de Janeiro ahead of their eagerly anticipated friendly with Brazil at the Maracana stadium, just 12 hours on from their disappointing draw against the Republic of Ireland

Roy Hodgson's men are seventh in the FIFA World Rankings, a staggering 12 places in front of their opponents on Sunday.

England won't be in Brazil for very long, but they will use the trip as a reconnaissance for the World Cup in 2014, should they manage to qualify.

Frank Lampard has set his sights on yet another accolade as he closes in on a century of England caps.

The 34-year-old Chelsea midfielder has had an eventful season, breaking the west Londoners' all-time scoring record before winning the Europa League and signing a new one-year deal.

Lampard has also impressed on the international stage and scored England's leveller on Wednesday night.

Ashley Cole, team-mate for both club and country, captained the side at Wembley after becoming just the seventh English player to reach the 100-caps mark.

It is a milestone that Lampard himself is eyeing, sitting just just four games shy of an elite band of players including Bobby Moore, David Beckham and Sir Bobby Charlton.

'You can't not think about it,' the midfielder said.

'I am on 96, I have been around for an awful long time.

'I saw Stevie (Steven Gerrard) get that gold cap, which was well deserved, and then Ash last night.

'If I can get there and can stay involved in future games then I would be a very proud man if I did reach that. 

'Ash certainly deserves the accolades. To get 100 caps, to start every game and to play at the quality and level he has played for such a long period of time, he deserves everything.


'I think the fans gave him the very right reception, he deserved the moment and the atmosphere was brilliant.'

Lampard and Cole look set to add to their tally this weekend when England take on Brazil.

Roy Hodgson's threadbare squad will be hoping to repeat the victory they achieved over the Selecao in February. 

Lampard's stunning strike secured a 2-1 win at Wembley and, having beaten them for the first time in 23 years, now have the chance to get a second win over Brazil in four months.

'I won't get carried away, it will be a very tough game,' he said.