England legend Gary Lineker says Manchester United fullback Wes Brown's scratchy performance against Brazil shouldn't be held against him.

Brown was at fault for Brazil's winning goal, but Lineker wrote in the Mail on Sunday: "The Manchester United man didn't have the best night, falling asleep for the goal and putting goalkeeper Foster in trouble with a back pass that led to the Brazil penalty.

"But you have to remember that he was one of the best players in the Chelsea-Manchester United game the previous weekend and handled Didier Drogba really well.

"He is a better centre-half than right-back but his versatility means he can probably be picked for both positions and when naming a squad, that could give Capello an extra place for a striker."