You’ve no idea how to win big games - Chelsea’s Samba star slams England flops

Posted Sunday, June 02, 2013 by thesun.co.uk

WINNERS AND ROO-SERS ... Luiz says England lack mental strength needed for glory

DAVID LUIZ has taunted England by claiming they do not have a winning mentality.

The Chelsea star is relishing the chance of facing the Three Lions in the first game at the new-look Maracana in Rio this evening.

He insists Brazilian team-mate Neymar was wrong to slam Roy Hodgson’s men by insisting they were not worth worrying about.

Luiz, 26, is looking for revenge, though, after Brazil lost 2-1 at Wembley in February — a match which marked the FA’s 150th anniversary.

Brazil have won the World Cup five times compared to England’s solitary 1966 triumph.

In an exclusive SunSport interview at the team’s spectacular hotel on the outskirts of Rio, Luiz said: “I have come into a national team which is used to winning things.

“England do not win titles. The mentality of winning a tournament is not there and that is difficult.

“The problem is they do not win anything. I have watched them in previous tournaments and things have not always gone well for them.

“But, I actually think England are a good side. Neymar said some things, but he has been playing in Brazil and is now going to Barcelona.

“I’m not sure Neymar actually knows much about English football or whether he knows any of the players. Why should he? His comments don’t surprise me.

“I really like England’s philosophy these days. English football is different to the past.

“The team now pass the ball and pass it well. I don’t believe they kick it in the air all the time, which they used to.”

England are currently second in their qualifying group, two points behind Montenegro having both played six games.

And if Montenegro beat Ukraine in Podgorica on Friday, the Group H leaders will move into a five-point lead. That will leave Hodgson’s men facing a major battle to take the top spot and avoid the lottery of a play-off showdown.

Luiz added: “England are second in their group behind Montenegro, but I don’t think they should worry.

“They have four games left, three at home. They will definitely go through.

“This is a good opportunity as they have a good team. I am not ruling them out of winning the World Cup here in Brazil next year — you never know.”

Luiz does not have good memories of February’s defeat at Wembley.

And Brazil go into tonight’s game with just one win in five under Phil Scolari — and that was against Bolivia.

Luiz said: “I am really looking forward to the game at the Maracana. It is the first match since it has been rebuilt and, for me, it is a dream.

“This is also a great opportunity for revenge after that defeat in London.

“It was a difficult night for us and we need to do better, win games and get some confidence.

“We have a big opportunity — and we need a win. England are a team with old players, major players and some good, younger ones. They are physically very strong. They will play defensively.

“The conditions will be hot so I think England will be patient.

“Obviously, I know some of the England players and play with them at Chelsea. But I would not say it is fun — I am used to playing against club team-mates in internationals.

“It will be a good occasion against England. There was a worry about whether the stadium would be ready but it is fine.

“I know England won here in 1984 but that’s all I know. Don’t forget I was born in 1987!”

Brazil face France in another friendly next week before hosting the Confederations Cup.

Luiz added: “It is great to be back in Brazil. I miss the people. When I say good morning to security guards, they reply back with hope in their voices.

“Everyone has a good attitude. The next two friendlies are important as we need to start winning again ahead of the Confederations Cup.”