Ronaldinho to start for Brazil against England

Ronaldinho is set to start for Brazil against England on Wednesday after being named in coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's preliminary XI for the match.

The 32-year-old's most recent Selecao appearance came in the 2-1 friendly defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina last February, but he has been named in the veteran trainer's first squad since returning to the hot seat.

The former Barcelona and AC Milan attacker, who now plays with Atletico Mineiro, had struggled to convince former coaches Dunga and Mano Menezes that he could form part of the national team's future.

However, he has been given a new lease of life on the international scene by his former mentor and Ronaldinho spoke of his delight at being able to return.

"It had not been in my plans," he told the Daily Mail. "I had a very good season last year so I was hoping it would happen to a certain extent. I am very glad it has come true now.

"My style remains the same. I play the same way I played before. It gives me great pleasure to return to Europe, having played here for such a long time. It is a great pleasure to be back."

Meanwhile, during Tuesday's training session, Scolari partnered Brazil new boy Dante at center back with David Luiz.