Brazil host England for first time in 29 years

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil will host England in an international friendly in June — the first match to be played in a renovated Maracana stadium and just days before the South American nation hosts the Confederations Cup.

The June 2 match will be England's first visit to Brazil since 1984.

England Manager Roy Hodgson says in a Football Association release that "it will be a proud moment to take the team back there again."

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says "there's nothing better than facing an opponent of England's significance, 15 days before the Confederations Cup," adding "It'll be a great match, a world classic, one of those that everybody likes to participate in."

The renovated Marcana will host the final of the 2014 World Cup.