June 3 (Reuters) - Brazil midfielder ⁠Casemiro believes being a "step behind" other World Cup favourites could ⁠actually work in the team's favour when the tournament kicks ‌off next week.

Brazil, who are looking to win a record-extending sixth World Cup title, find themselves trailing European champions Spain, 2018 World Cup winners France and England ​in the bookmakers' odds for the June ⁠11 to July 19 tournament ⁠in North America.

"We aren’t the big favourites," Casemiro told FIFA's media ⁠channel ‌after Brazil arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday. "Of course, we’re in good shape; we’ve got a strong squad, with a ⁠mix of experience and young talent."

"Perhaps this time ​we’re a step ‌behind, but we’re on our toes and that’s always a ⁠good thing. We ​want to go there in good shape and have a great World Cup.”

The 34-year-old said Brazil had had a "difficult cycle" in the build-up to ⁠the World Cup, with the Brazilian Football ​Confederation appointing Carlo Ancelotti as coach and naming a new president last year.

“It has been a difficult cycle with a change of manager, a ⁠change of president and a lot of turmoil," he added.

"We have only had one year working with the manager, who has excellent experience in football, but in reality we have only worked together ​for 40 days. I think we will go ⁠into the tournament in strong form.

"We have quality players, experienced players, ​energetic players and young players. I think ‌we have a good mix for ​this competition."

Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus)