Teenage Samba star Endrick was the hero as Brazil dealt England’s pre-Euro 2024 preparations a blow with a 1-0 win at Wembley.
The visitors named five debutants in the starting XI for coach Dorival Junior’s first match in charge and the Selecao had the better of the chances in an end-to-end first half.
Vinicius Jr had a shot cleared off the line by Kyle Walker prior to the England captain for the night departing prematurely with a hamstring concern, while West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta clipped the woodwork.
England’s best opening fell to Ollie Watkins, who was leading the line in the absence of the injured Harry Kane, but he drilled over under pressure.
The hosts were on top following the interval but could not carve out a clear-cut opening and they were duly punished when the 17-year-old substitute Endrick – who will join Real Madrid in the summer – knocked in a rebound 10 minutes from time.
England will rue a lack of cutting edge and will quickly turn their attention to improving the mood in Tuesday’s friendly at home to Belgium.
Gareth Southgate will already have the majority of his squad confirmed in his mind for the Euros, but there remain some players who could impress enough to make a late push for selection.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon did well on his senior bow with some direct running and desire to work the left channel, but he never hit great heights either.
Watkins didn’t quite thrive in attack but he remains the more likely striker to play understudy to Kane in Germany with the talismanic hitman’s importance once again highlighted in his absence here.
It remains to be seen what Southgate does with his team against Belgium but it will be the last game prior to him naming his squad for the summer and this performance will only serve to intensify the importance of Tuesday’s match.
The Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on June 16 is looming ever closer but there are still some key questions for England to answer, particularly when it comes to a cutting edge against a high level opponent. (Eurosport)