In just his third Seleção appearance, teenage star Endrick’s late goal – his first on the senior international scene – earned Brazil a 1-0 friendly win against the Three Lions of England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Dorival Júnior began his tenure as Brazil’s head coach by starting five debutants, and there was early concern for the incoming goalkeeper Bento as Phil Foden flashed a free-kick marginally wide. The Seleção soon went on the front foot with Rodrygo forcing Jordan Pickford into the game’s first save before Kyle Walker scampered back to deny Vinícius Júnior, although England’s captain on the day was forced off through injury just 20 minutes into the game.
Even so, chances were beginning to stack up for the Three Lions, as Fabrício Bruno made a timely intervention to deny Ollie Watkins a near-certain goal, while efforts from Harry Maguire and Anthony Gordon were deflected wide. It was a scintillating first half that defied the game’s friendly status, and Lucas Paquetá had been heavily involved in particular, sliding through passes and being booked for an accumulation of fouls.
Paquetá scuffed one attempt then hit the post with his second, but Raphinha had a particularly big chance following an under-hit back pass from Harry Maguire, only to drag his shot wide. Perhaps sensing that the five-time world champions were posing an increasing threat, England continued to provide some more of their own from set-pieces after the break, with Maguire mistiming a header and Anthony Gordon being denied by Bento.
The search for an opener continued as the hour mark came and went, with Chilwell blocking Raphinha’s shot and John Stones sending one of his own wide, while Jude Bellingham and Paquetá both missed the target with audacious attempts. Endrick and Kobbie Mainoo were among the players introduced with changes being made by both sides, with the game seemingly winding down for a draw.
However, it proved to be a masterstroke from Dorival Júnior, as 17-year old Endrick eventually found the winner, tapping the ball in after Pickford had saved Vinícius Júnior’s initial effort, as Brazil brought their four-game winless run to an end. They also inflicted England’s first defeat in 11 matches since they were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup.
