Brazil’s new teenage sensation Endrick struck late on to condemn England to defeat in a scrappy friendly at Wembley.
The game looked to be petering out into a draw before Vinicius Jr broke clear, the 17-year-old substitute left with a simple finish from close range despite England keeper Jordan Pickford’s save with 10 minutes left.
It capped an unsatisfactory night for England. Their defence, Harry Maguire in particular, looked vulnerable as they lost captain Kyle Walker to a hamstring injury early on.
England manager Gareth Southgate gave a debut to Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon from the start, while Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and Manchester United’s teenage midfield prodigy Kobbie Mainoo won their first caps as substitutes.
The quality of the game was reflected in the experimental nature of the sides, with Brazil having the better of the first-half chances. Ollie Watkins blazed over from close range with England’s best opportunity while Raphinha wasted Brazil’s biggest chance as he was off target following Maguire’s poor backpass.
England’s star man Jude Bellingham was subjected to heavy physical treatment throughout until he was substituted, before Endrick sent the large contingent of Brazil fans into wild celebrations with his winner.
It was England’s first defeat at Wembley in 21 games, since they were beaten by Denmark in the Uefa Nations League in October 2020.
England’s tough night
The build-up to this friendly – a meeting with Brazil always carrying added prestige – was overshadowed by the debate surrounding the redesigned flag of St George on England’s new kit, which was worn for the first time here at Wembley.
Of more concern to England and manager Southgate was a performance that flagged up some of the flaws which may still jeopardise their chances at Euro 2024 in the summer.
It should be placed in the context that England were without key figures such as captain Harry Kane and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka through injury, but it was in defence where England looked unimpressive.
Ben Chilwell did not distinguish himself at left-back while Maguire was under par in central defence, looking nervous and almost gifting Raphinha a first-half goal with the sort of error – in this case a poor backpass- that could carry a heavy penalty in Germany this summer.
Gordon had some bright moments on his debut but Aston Villa striker Watkins, hoping to press his claims as the first-choice understudy to Kane, will be disappointed he blazed over with a chance from close in. He should have at least hit the target.
Mainoo looked confident in his cameo but it was a rough night, literally, for Bellingham as his talent made him a clear target for Brazil’s players and he was fouled consistently.
Southgate will now start his plans for the next friendly against Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday, where England will hope for better.
