Gareth Southgate’s side struggled to create anything of note before Endrick’s late goal secured victory for the visitors
England may have been without a number of key men, including Harry Kane, Abuja yo Saka and an array of full-backs, but the way in which they struggled against an inexperienced Brazil side in their 1-0 defeat on Saturday should be a real cause for concern so close to Euro 2024.
The Three Lions dominated possession in the first half but it was the visitors who had the better chances, as Kyle Walker cleared off the line from Vinicius Jr before Lucas Paqueta struck the post and Raphinha fired wide after robbing Harry Maguire on the edge of the England box.
England’s best chance of the first half came when Ollie Watkins was played in by Phil Foden, but he was denied by a fine challenge from Fabricio Bruno. Debutant Anthony Gordon was then denied twice by Bento either side of half-time, but the home side struggled to create much of note.
They were made to pay with 10 minutes left, too, as Vinicius broke clear of the England defence, and though Jordan Pickford saved his shot, teenager Endrick was on hand to tap into an empty net for his first international goal.
GOAL rates England’s players from Wembley Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Jordan Pickford (6/10):
Didn’t really have to stretch himself to make a save until Vinicius’ effort in the build-up to the goal. Distribution decent, as always.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
Got back well to deny Vinicius on the line, but in doing so tweaked his hamstring, Forcing him off after just 20 minutes.
John Stones (6/10):
Carried the ball out of defence and showed some nice touches when stepping into midfield. Lost Vinicius a couple of times, however, and was left in his wake for the goal.
Harry Maguire (4/10):
Fortunate not to be punished by Raphinha after his poor touch on the edge of his own box. Looked shaky at other times, too, as his performance didn’t inspire confidence for the summer.
Ben Chilwell (3/10):
Failed to take his opportunity. Looked off the pace from the outset, while his final ball when attacking was abysmal. Replaced midway through the second half.
Midfield
Conor Gallagher (7/10):
Was excellent for the first 30 minutes, as his pressing caused a number of turnovers high up the pitch. Faded thereafter as he began to run out of steam.
Declan Rice (6/10):
Not asked to provide as much going forward as he does at Arsenal, and therefore felt a little shackled. Barely put a foot wrong, however.
Jude Bellingham (7/10):
Looked the most likely to create opportunities for England, and was the target of a number of fouls from the Brazil midfield. Couldn’t quite provide that killer moment, but that wasn’t necessarily his fault.
Attack
Phil Foden (6/10):
Couldn’t influence the game from the right-hand side as he has done for Manchester City this season. Had a couple of nice touches around the penalty area, but they never came to anything.
Ollie Watkins (4/10):
Stepped into kane’s shoe but struggled to get involved in the game. Fabricio’s challenge kept him from breaking the deadlock in the first half.
Anthony Gordon (7/10):
Grew into the game after a quiet start, and combined excellently with Bellingham down the England left. Denied on a couple of occasions by Bento.
Subs & Manager
Ezri Konsa (5/10):
On for his debut after Walker’s injury but doesn’t offer anywhere near as much as the Man City man from right-back.
Jarrod Bowen (6/10):
Was bright after coming on down the right.
Joe Gomez (6/10):
Got 25 minutes but didn’t really make his mark on the game.
Lewis Dunk (4/10):
Gave the ball away too often in dangerous areas, most notably with a poor header that led to Endrick’s goal.
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):
Had a couple of neat touches during his 15- minutes cameo on debut.
Marcus Rashford (5/10):
Too often ran down blind allies as he looked to force something.
Gareth Southgate (5/10):
Hamstrung somewhat by the amount of players he was unable to call upon, but this was still an uninspiring showing from his team. Can’t just rely on Bellingham to produce everything in the final third.