England, Brazil, Spain and Argentina will challenge for the 2010 World Cup, Dani Alves has said.

England are one of the favourites to win soccer's 2010 World Cup in South Africa, according to Brazil and Barcelona star Dani Alves.

The flamboyant full-back was speaking to Sky Sports ahead of his country's friendly with England on Saturday, November 14th 2009, which will take place in Doha, Qatar.

He expressed his opinion that England will mount a strong challenge to win the tournament, along with the traditional soccer powerhouses of Spain, Brazil and Argentina.

"I do not believe there will be too many surprises in South Africa," he said.

In addition, he explained that while his country's clash with England is a friendly, there is still plenty to get excited about because of the stature of the two countries on the world stage.

"These matches are always something a footballer desires. Many millions of supporters in the world will be prepared for the friendly in Doha," he commented.

Alves became the most expensive right-back in the world when he made his move from Sevilla to their Spanish rivals Barcelona at the end of the 2007-08 season for more than €29 million (C$45.5 million).