A late goal from 17-year-old sensation Endrick is all that separated England and Brazil in an international friendly on Saturday.
The future Real Madrid star came off the bench to steal the winner and the show at Wembley Stadium much to the delight of a sizeable travelling contingent.
Gareth Southgate’s charges were uninspiring from the off and were on the end of a deserved defeat that will give them food for thought ahead of Euro 2024.
How the game unfolded
The first sight of goal was forged by Rodrygo, who picked up the ball from deep and fearlessly drove at the England backline, but his long-range effort was held by Jordan Pickford.
Another fast Brazil attack saw Lucas Paqueta dink the ball over a sleeping backline and into Vinicius Junior. Pickford wasn’t sure whether to come off his line or stay put, instead stumbling to the edge of his box and watching Vinicius’ shot trickle by him, only for Kyle Walker to clear off the line.
Down the other end, England spurned a great chance to go ahead. Jude Bellingham did well to retain possession by the left corner flag and dig out a cross for Conor Gallagher on the edge of the box, whose lob over the defence picked out Ollie Watkins, but he dinked his half-volley over.
A scramble just inside the England penalty area led to Paqueta rattling the post with one wicked swing of his left boot before a poor Harry Maguire back pass was intercepted by Raphinha, with his effort pushed wide by Pickford.
The affair became tighter after the break but Paqueta nearly broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion, with his curling first-time strike whistling past the post.
With ten minutes to go, Brazil went in front. Vinicius made another darting run in behind to reach Andreas Pereira’s through ball, and though his initial effort was saved by Pickford, Endrick was there to sweep in the rebound – becoming the youngest ever scorer at Wembley Stadium.
Endrick was denied a brace with the final kick of the game on the break, being denied by a low Pickford save, and Brazil eeked out the win.
GK: Jordan Pickford – 6/10 – Did well to make the saves he did, including from Vinicius leading to Endrick’s winner.
RB: Kyle Walker – N/A – Brought off after 20 minutes with a hamstring injury. Made a clearance off the line in that time.
CB: John Stones – 5/10 – Played without intensity, which is characteristic and understanding in a friendly, but England lacked their usual solidity at the back.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at 90min EN…