Endrick scored his first goal for Brazil to sink England at Wembley in one of the final friendlies before this summer’s Euros.
Gareth Southgate was without regulars Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Luke Shaw, and watched Kyle Walker limp off in the 20th minute, but it was still a disappointing night for the Three Lions, who failed to score at home for the first time in almost two years.
Here are five things we learned from the game…
Battered Bellingham is England’s best player
Jude Bellingham had better take spare shin pads to Germany. The Real Madrid star was kicked from pillar to post at Wembley, with Brazil’s midfielders taking it in turns to take out England’s talisman. Bellingham was noticeably frustrated with the cynical way Brazil broke up his attacking runs before he got into the penalty area time and time again, but he had better get used to it, as he is likely to be one of the most fouled players in the tournament this summer.
England struggle without Kane
England need a fit Harry Kane or they are in trouble. The Bayern Munich star missed out because of an ankle injury, giving Ollie Watkins a chance to show what he can do in the number nine shirt. But the Villa man, who has been in hot form for his club this season, failed to make the most of his opportunity and had only one chance, a half-volley he hit high over the bar early on. If Kane is not fit to start against Belgium on Tuesday, as expected, it is likely Ivan Toney will get a chance to show what he can do.
England still lacking hard core to compete with big nations
England still have a soft centre when a skilful attacking team like Brazil run at them. Whether Declan Rice did not have enough support from Conor Gallagher, who was poor throughout, or the back four behind them were off their game, England gave away far too many scoring chances and were lucky that Brazil did not make more of them. Lucas Paqueta hit a post, Vinicius Junior had a tame shot stopped by Kyle Walker when he should have scored, and Raphinha shot wide when Harry Maguire made a sloppy error. Even Maguire’s replacement Lewis Dunk was at fault when Endrick scored.
Chilwell still rusty on England return
Ben Chilwell could be a real goal threat if he can learn to volley. The Chelsea man did not have a great evening, making mistakes in defence and overhitting some crosses. But he twice had a chance to redeem himself with goalscoring chances before half time. Both were the result of corners that were cleared to him on the edge of the penalty area, inviting a killer volley into the far corner of goal. But for the first, Chilwell hit it high into the stands behind Bento’s goal and then minutes later scuffed another volley into the ground and tamely wide.
Gordon deserves another go
Anthony Gordon showed enough promise on his debut to be given another chance before Gareth Southgate picks his squad for Germany. The Newcastle United winger made some promising runs down the left, cutting inside to shoot or cross, and was denied twice by keeper Bento. But his inexperience showed more than once when he failed to find a better-placed colleague and shot when he could have passed. Definitely worth another run-out against Belgium, though.
