England's defenders will analyse every aspect of Mario Balotelli's game over the next few days as they look to nullify the threat posed by Italy's danger man in Manaus.

England landed in Rio de Janeiro yesterday and started work on a plan to stop the striker.

Manchester City fans know how dangerous he can be from his time there. The front man, who scored 18 goals for AC Milan this year, has raw pace, power and aggression.

That is why England's back line will spend the rest of the week studying Balotelli in video sessions laid on by coach Gary Neville, who picks players' games apart as an analyst for Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

England defender Phil Jagielka said: "We have three video analysts and Gary Neville is more than capable of taking us through a video or two.

"It will be like Monday Night Football, but with a personal touch."

Balotelli's antics at City are well-known

There is little chance of Manchester City ever again owning a player who set his house alight with fireworks or throws darts at youth players.

But Jagielka feels it vital to remember he is an internationally-renowned striker too.

"He is a character but he scores goals," the Everton centre-back said.

Jagielka is expected to start alongside Gary Cahill at the heart of England's defence on Saturday in Manaus, where temperatures of 30ÚC are forecast.

If he doesn't play, Jagielka will not be tweeting as he did during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Ecuador.

Then Jagielka, who had just joined the social media site, tweeted: "Pitch side with some of the lads, decent start from the boys!" The team went 1-0 down to Enner Valencia's opener soon after the message was posted.