Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Dele Alli have been marked out as potential stars of next summer’s World Cup by Brazil coach Tite.
Neither will feature in England’s friendly international against Brazil on Tuesday after pulling out of the squad through injury.
However, the pair were in sparkling form for Spurs in their recent Champions League win over Real Madrid and Tite, who also praised Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, believes they can take that form into Russia 2018.
Speaking at a media conference ahead of the Wembley game, Tite said: “All of the big teams are favourites, especially England, with this new generation emerging.
“Although [Gareth] Southgate has had only 13 games, they have Dele Alli, Kane, the experience of Cahill.
“With their tradition, I see England as a favourite.”
Tite also said he was looking forward to playing at Wembley.
“This is a heritage site of world football, like Maracana,” he added.
West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart, Spurs’ Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose and Eric Dier, Crystal Palace’s on-loan Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also in the squad.
Chelsea’s Willian is in the Brazil squad, captaining the side in their win over Japan on Friday.