David Luiz has insisted that he is ready to captain Brazil for their World Cup semi-final against Germany on Tuesday.

The defender is expected to lead the team in the absence of Thiago Silva, who is suspended for the encounter in Belo Horizonte.

"I'm ready," Luiz is quoted as saying by ITV Sport. "I'm vice-captain and this group is very easy to handle because everyone's very down to earth. It won't be a tough job at all."

Luiz has found the net twice in five games for the hosts so far at the tournament.