Brazil international Marquinhos is excited by the prospect of playing for his nation in France. The centre-back has been plying his trade for Paris Saint-Germain since 2013, and he is now relishing the chance to play for Selecao in a country which is very much his home.

Speaking in the lead-up to the Japan friendly in Lille, Marquinhos is pleased to have his fellow teammates in the French capital, where they have been allowed to training Paris Saint-Germain home stadium, he said, “It’s quite something to bring your international teammates home. I’m really moved to have them here even if there are quite a few Brazilians in Paris. Coming back here with the other players is really something, I feel very emotional training with Brazil here at the Parc des Princes.”

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old spoke about compatriot Neymar, who he feels has settled very well following his summer move from Barcelona, he added, “It’s important is to have character and Neymar has a good head on his shoulders, is very important for Brazil and we are all trying to help with his adaptation in Paris.”

Brazil became the first nation to qualify for the World Cup earlier in the year after they suffered just a single defeat in 18 matches. Tite's men lost out to Chile in the opening game of the qualifying phase, but they took their due revenge after they ousted the Copa America champions out of the finals with a 3-1 victory in the final group game.

With the World Cup coming along, Brazil are likely to test their bench strength, and Friday could offer a couple of fringe players the chance to impress the manager. Tite has gone with a relatively strong squad for the friendlies versus Japan and England, but there is a suggestion that the likes of Richarlison and Vinicius Junior could be offered their maiden call-ups in the next set of games.