England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that his team are improving ahead of tomorrow night's friendly clash with 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil.

Hodgson's side have drawn criticism from some sections of the English media this week following a 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.

The Three Lions boss believes that his team are capable of progression and has challenged a depleted squad to show their skills on Sunday at the Maracana.

He told reporters at the pre-match press conference: "It's great coming here for the players who have never been before. The players have been very impressive in that respect. They welcome the chance to explore the city (Rio de Janiro).

"It seems that everyone does it with good grace and when we come away we feel good and hopefully the people who have met us feel happy we have visited. This is a nice end to the year that started in a hectic fashion.

"I'm looking forward to what's ahead and I'd like to think in this year I've got to know them better and they know what were trying to do. I'm more and more confident that we are moving in the right direction to [the World Cup in] Brazil next year."

A number of England regulars are out of the side to face Brazil through injury, with Danny Welbeck the latest player to be sidelined by a knee problem earlier today.