Former England striker, Michael Owen, believes that Brazil, whose 2014 World Cup ended in such disappointment, will bounce back and lift their first trophy since 2002.

“They’ve two brilliant goalkeepers, they’ve got defenders and they have that array of attacking talent with Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho,” Owen said

“France obviously have a lot of good players but I’m a bit sceptical about them in tournaments.

“Spain and Germany I also like, but Brazil would be my idea of the strongest team.”

Owen was speaking before Brazil’s impressive victory over Austria on Sunday.

Jesus, Neymar and Coutinho got the goals as Tite’s side produced an extremely encouraging performance in their final warm-up match.

Brazil couldn’t deliver when they were the hosts but with Neymar back and the attack firing on all cylinders, this could certainly be their year.