Pele has tipped England and Italy to be Brazil's biggest challengers at the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. "I've seen a lot of games in the last two years and England have improved a lot," the 65-year-old told BBC Sport.
"Of course if nobody gets an injury, then I think England, Italy or Brazil will be in the final.
"But if I have to name a team to win, I name Brazil. Not only because of their quality, but also because they have two players in every position."
As the winner of three World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele certainly knows what it takes to succeed in the biggest sporting event on globe.
But even football's most famous face, who won a lifetime achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show, realises that next summer's tournament will throw up a few surprises.
Asked whether England can win against Brazil, he said: "They can beat them of course, but the World Cup is very tough.
"If you have a chance to play two legs then we can compare, but the quarters, semi-finals and final are one game each.
"Anything can happen in one game. That is the problem with the World Cup, it is a box of surprises."
MMIX
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Match of the Day - Post-match interviews 